Properties of Metallic Compounds (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Conductivity of Metallic Compounds

Extended Tier Only

  • Metals consist of positively charged metal ions surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons 

  • Metals conduct electricity because:

    • The delocalised electrons are able to move through the structure 

  • The electrons being able to move also enables the metal to conduct heat 

The structure of a metal

Diagram explaining how delocalised electrons can move through the structure of a metal allowing it to conduct
Delocalised electrons are able to move through the structure

Examiner Tips and Tricks

The properties of metals can be modified, sometimes significantly, by mixing it with another metal or non-metal to create and alloy.

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