Metallic Bonding
3 marks · NormalA student tries to represent a metallic lattice using the following statement:
'A metal is made up of separate molecules containing metal atoms.'
Does this statement accurately describe a metallic lattice? Give reasons for your answer, and describe the actual arrangement of particles in a metallic lattice.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
Also accept: Any clear and correct description of the metallic lattice structure
Common mistakes: Thinking metals consist of molecules; Confusing ions with atoms
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · States that the statement is not correct/not accurate.
M2 · 1 mark · Explains that metals are not made of molecules but have a giant structure/lattice.
A1 · 1 mark · Describes the actual arrangement as a regular lattice of positive ions in a sea of delocalised electrons.
Worked solution
The statement is not correct. Metals do not consist of separate molecules containing metal atoms.
Instead, metals have a giant lattice structure made up of positive metal ions arranged in a regular pattern.
The metal ions are surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons, not by individual molecules.