Bulk Properties (OCR GCSE Chemistry A (Gateway))

Bulk Properties

• Different compounds have different structures and bond types/strengths that give rise to bulk properties

• Examples of bulk properties include electrical conductivity, and melting/boiling points

• Individual atoms do not possess these physical properties, rather they arise due to many atoms, ions or molecules acting together

• An explanation of some bulk properties are listed below: 

Summary Table of Some Bulk Properties

Brittle v Malleable

• Ionic and giant covalent substances are also brittle whereas metals are malleable 

• A brittle substance cracks or breaks when an external force is applied

• Malleable substances change shape without cracking or breaking 

• Metals are malleable as their atoms are arranged in layers which slide over each other when force is applied 

• Giant Covalent and Ionic structures have their bonds broken if force is applied and as a result break 

Diagram explaining the malleability of a metal

Polymers     

• Most are solid at room temperature 

• There are strong covalent bonds between atoms but intermolecular forces between polymer molecules

• The intermolecular forces are larger than those between simple covalent molecules and therefore need more energy to break but weaker than ionic or covalent bonds.