Metal alloys | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which of the following diagrams models the arrangement of particles in a metal?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Diagram 2 represents metallic bonding as it is a regular arrangement of positive ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised outer shell electrons. Diagram 1 represents ionic bonding, and diagram 3 represents covalent bonding.

Which of the following are common physical properties of metals?

• low melting point

• ductile

• malleable

• brittle

Answer explanation

Metals are ductile, as they can be drawn into a wire. They are also malleable, as they can be hammered into shape without breaking.

Match the following physical properties of metals with the corresponding reasons for each property.

• ductile and malleable

• Ions are surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons.

• high melting points

• Ions are arranged in layers that can easily slide over each other.

• good thermal and electrical conductors

• Strong electrostatic attraction between ions (+) and electrons (–).

Answer explanation

Ductile and malleable: their ions are arranged in layers that can easily slide over each other. Good conductors: their ions are surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons. High melting points: strong forces between ions (+) and electrons (–).

Metallic structures consist of {{}} surrounded by __________.

• positive metal ions

• a 'sea' of delocalised electrons

• negative metal ions

• metal atoms

Answer explanation

Metallic structures consist of positive metal ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised outer shell electrons.

Which force of attraction binds together the particles in a giant metallic structure?

Answer explanation

Strong, electrostatic forces of attraction between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons hold them all together in a giant, metallic structure.

Metals are malleable because...

• they can be hammered into shape without breaking.

• they can be pulled into wire.

• the layers of metal ions can easily slide over each other.

• they contain delocalised electrons.

Answer explanation

Malleable means that the material can be hammered into shape without breaking, due to the layers of metal ions being able to easily slide over each other.