Y10 Chemistry Test - Metal properties + identification

Properties of metals

Strong, shiny, hard, malleable, conductive, ductile and high melting and boiling point. Metals always lose electrons to become positive cations.

Electrostatic force of attraction

Metallic bonding

The attraction between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons due to electrostatic force.

Why can metals conduct electricity?

Their regular structure allows electrons to easily flow through and carry charge through the metal.

Why do metals have high melting points?

The strong metallic bonds require lots of energy

Why are pure metals soft and malleable?

The evenly spaced ions can easily slide over each other.

What is an alloy?

An alloy is a mixture of a metal with another element.

Why are alloys stronger and harder than pure metals?

The different sized particles disrupt the layers of the metal, meaning they can’t slide over each other.

Are alloys compounds?

Ions are not compounds as they don’t have fixed ratios.

What is steel made of

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon.

What’s the difference between high carbon steel and low carbon steel?

High carbon steel is hard but brittle. Low carbon steel is softer and more easily shaped.

What is the reaction between a group 1 metal and water?

Metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen

What are observations when a group 1 metal reacts with water?