Metallic Bonding and Properties of Metals

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary terms and definitions related to metallic bonding and the properties of metals, derived from the provided lecture notes.

Metallic Bonding

The strong attraction between delocalised electrons and metal ions in a metal lattice.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when a metal atom loses one or more valence electrons.

Transition Metals

Metals found in the center of the periodic table; known for their unique properties such as high density and variable ionic charges.

Reactivity Series

A list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity, with alkali metals at the top and noble metals like gold at the bottom.

Malleable

A property of metals that allows them to be hammered or pressed into shapes without breaking.

Ductile

The ability of a metal to be drawn into wires.

Conductivity

The ability of metals to conduct electricity and heat due to the presence of delocalised electrons.

Lattice Structure

The arrangement of cations in a closely packed, three-dimensional framework in metals.

High Densities

A characteristic of metals indicating that particles are tightly packed together.

Inert Metals

Metals that do not react easily with other substances, such as gold and platinum.