Section 1 h) Summary

When metals bond, they form a giant metallic structure, also known as a metallic crystal. They are made up of positively charged nuclei surrounded by a delocalised electrons, sometimes referred to as a 'sea of free electrons'. These free electrons allow metals to conduct electricity, as they are able to move and carry charge freely. 

This structure is a giant structure, meaning it is constantly repeating regularly. It is in sort of layers which mean that when force is applied, the ions will slide, and the metal will bend, not break. 

The strong forces of attraction between the electrons and charged metal ions are difficult to break; they require a lot of energy. This means that metals have high melting and boiling points. 

Metals are also:

• Shiny/lustrous: The giant structure means it has flat, smooth surfaces that reflect light.
• Hard: The giant structure is densely packed and difficult to dent
• High density: The ions are packed closely together, only tiny electrons keeping them apart
• Strong: The giant structure is difficult to break 

Section 1 h) Key Words

Delocalised electrons: Electrons that are not tied to a specific nucleus, they are free to move around and allow electricity to be conducted.

Ductile: Able to be stretched out/pulled out into a wire. Metals are ductile.

Giant structure: A constantly repeating lattice structure of molecules, it doesn't end until there aren't enough molecules to add more.

Malleable: Easily bent when force is applied, the opposite of brittle.

Section 1 h) Specification

1.46 understand that a metal can be described as a giant structure of positive
ions surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons

In metallic bonding, the positive ions are regularly arranged in a giant structure. These are surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons, without which the cations would repel each other; the attraction between the positive ions and electrons holds the structure together.

1.47 explain the electrical conductivity and malleability of a metal in terms of its
structure and bonding.

Metal is a good conductor of both electricity and heat. This is because of its sea of delocalised electrons that are free to move and carry charge.

Metal is malleable and ductile because of its giant structure. It is in layers that can slip past one another when force is applied, as opposed to snapping.