Physical Properties of Metals
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 9.1.1
Pure Metals
Pure metals have giant structures with strong electrostatic forces between positive ions and a 'sea' delocalised electrons. All of the ions are the same size and these ions are arranged in layers. Pure metals have the following properties:
High melting and boiling points
- There are strong electrostatic forces between metal ions and delocalised electrons.
- This means that metals have high melting and boiling points.
Soft and malleable
- Because the ions are arranged in layers, they can slide over each other easily when a force is applied.
- This means that pure metals are soft and malleable.
Test yourself on Physical Properties of Metals
The ions in pure metals are...
Which of the following describes pure metals?
Pure metals are malleable because...