Metallic Bonding
2 marks · HardExplain, in terms of electrostatic forces, how metallic bonding holds a pure metal such as aluminium together. Your answer should refer specifically to the particles involved.
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Also accept: positive ions and sea of delocalised electrons attract; electrostatic attraction between lattice of metal ions and delocalised electrons
Common mistakes: mentioning molecules instead of metallic lattice
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Correctly identifies particles: positive metal ions and delocalised electrons.
A1 · 1 mark · States that the electrostatic attraction between these particles holds the structure together.
Worked solution
Metallic bonding in aluminium involves positive metal ions arranged in a lattice, surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons.
There is a strong electrostatic attraction between these positive ions and the delocalised electrons, which holds the structure together.