Metallic bondingEdexcel International A Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Metallic bonding

1. A student connects a strip of magnesium ribbon and, separately, a lump of solid sulfur into a simple circuit containing a lamp and a 6 V battery. The lamp lights when the magnesium is in the circuit but stays off when the sulfur is in the circuit.
   Explain why magnesium conducts electricity but sulfur does not.2 marks
2. Copper is hammered into sheets for roofing and drawn into thin wires for cables. Pure copper melts at 1085 °C, and a molten sample of copper can be poured and cast into moulds.
   Explain, in terms of its bonding, why copper can be hammered into sheets without breaking.2 marks
3. Aluminium is used for overhead power cables because it has a low density and conducts electricity well. A cable is made from solid aluminium, which melts at 660 °C.
   Describe the structure of, and bonding in, solid aluminium.3 marks