9.1 Properties of Metals
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1. How does the thermal conductivity of metals generally compare to that of non-metals?
Metals are excellent thermal conductors due to mobile delocalized valence electrons, whereas non-metals are typically poor thermal conductors (insulators).
2. Compare the electrical conductivity of metals and non-metals.
Metals are highly efficient electrical conductors because their delocalized electron cloud allows charge to flow freely under potential difference. Non-metals act as poor electrical conductors or insulators (with exceptions like graphite).
3. Describe the difference between metals and non-metals regarding malleability and ductility.
Metals are highly malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn out into long wires) because their layers of positive ions can slide past each other without shattering the metallic bond. Non-metals are structurally brittle when solid.
4. How do the melting and boiling points of metals generally compare to those of non-metals?
Metals generally possess high melting and boiling points due to strong electrostatic forces of attraction within the giant metallic lattice structure. Most non-metals feature lower thermal transitions due to weak intermolecular forces.
5. Describe the general chemical property of metals when they react with dilute acids.
Metals situated above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with dilute acids to generate an aqueous metal salt and hydrogen gas (H2).
6. Describe the general chemical property of metals regarding their reactions with cold water and steam.
Highly reactive metals interact with cold water to form a soluble metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Moderately reactive metals react with gaseous steam at high temperatures to yield a solid metal oxide and hydrogen gas.
7. What is the general chemical property of metals when they react with oxygen?
Metals combine with oxygen through oxidation reactions to synthesize basic or amphoteric metal oxides.