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Properties of Metals (Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award)

Revision Note

Philippa Platt

Written by: Philippa Platt

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Oxford AQA Combined Science Double Award: ChemistryOxford AQA Chemistry

Properties of Metals

  • Metallic bonds are very strong and are a result of the attraction between the positive metal ions and the negative delocalised electrons within the metal lattice structure

  • Metals thus have very high melting and boiling points and are solids at room temperature, with the exception of mercury which is a liquid

  • They are usually insoluble in water although some do react with it

  • Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity due to the delocalised electrons

Diagram to show metallic bonding

A diagram to show the structure of a metal
Positive metal ions are surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons

  • Most metals are malleable

    • This means they can be hammered into shape

    • This is because the atoms are arranged in layers which can slide over each when force is applied 

Malleability of metals 

A diagram showing why metals are malleable
When a force is applied, the layers of positive ions slide over each other

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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    Philippa Platt

    Author: Philippa Platt

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

    Stewart Hird

    Author: Stewart Hird

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.