Properties of giant metallic lattices
High melting and boiling points
- The electrons are free to move throughout the structure, but the positive ions remain where they are.
- The attraction between the positive ions and negative delocalised electrons is strong.
- High temperatures are needed to break the metallic bonds and dislodge the ions from their rigid poistions within the lattice
Good electrical conductivity
The delocalised electrons can move freely anywhere within the metallic lattice. This allows the metal to conduct electricity, even in solid state.
Ductile and malleable
Delocalised electrons can move, the metallic structure has a degree of give, which allows atoms or layers to slide past each other.
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