14.

Metallic elements and alloys

Physical Properties & Structure of Metals
Metallic Bonding Model
Metals consist of a lattice of positive metal ions surrounded by a "sea" of delocalised
electrons.
 Metallic Bond: The strong electrostatic attraction between the positive metal cations and
the mobile, delocalised outer-shell electrons.
Physical Properties Explained via Bonding

Physical
Description Bonding Explanation
Property

Delocalised electrons are free to move

Electrical Excellent conductors in
and carry electrical charge throughout the
Conductivity solid and liquid states.
lattice.

Delocalised electrons gain kinetic energy

Thermal High thermal
and transfer heat rapidly through the
Conductivity conductivity.
structure when they vibrate.

Can be hammered into Regular layers of positive metal ions can

Malleability & sheets (malleable) or slide over one another without breaking
Ductility drawn into wires the metallic bond (the sea of electrons
(ductile). shifts to accommodate the new positions).

Requires a large amount of thermal

Mostly high-melting-
High Melting / energy to overcome the strong
point solids (except
Boiling Points electrostatic attractions between ions and
mercury).
delocalised electrons.

Density & Generally high density; Closely packed array of heavy positive
Appearance shiny/lustrous when cut. ions in a regular lattice.

Chemical Properties of Metals

Metals generally react by losing electrons to form positive cations (M Mn+ + ne-).
General Chemical Reactions
1. Reaction with Oxygen
Metal + Oxygen Metal Oxide
 Metals form basic oxides (e.g., MgO, CaO).
 Note: Aluminium forms an amphoteric oxide (Al2O3), which reacts with both acids and
bases.
2. Reaction with Water / Steam
 Cold Water (Reactive Metals):
Metal} + Water Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen
Example: Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
 Steam (Moderately Reactive Metals):
Metal+ Steam Metal Oxide+ Hydrogen
o Example: Zn(s) + H2O(g) ZnO(s) + H2(g)
3. Reaction with Dilute Acids
Metal+ Dilute Acid Salt+ Hydrogen
 Example: Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) FeCl2(aq) + H2(g)
 Unreactive metals (Cu, Ag, Au) do not react with dilute acids.
3. Alloys and Their Properties
Definition: An alloy is a mixture of a metal with other elements (either metals or non-metals).
Why Alloys are Harder and Stronger than Pure Metals
 Pure Metal Structure: Ions are all the same size and arranged in neat, uniform layers.
These layers slide easily past one another when a force is applied.
 Alloy Structure: Added elements have atoms/ions of different sizes. These different-
sized atoms distort the regular metal lattice, making it much harder for the layers to
slide over each other.

Pure Metal (Soft - Layers slide) Alloy (Hard - Distorted lattice)

Common Alloys to Know

Alloy Composition Key Properties Uses

Harder than copper, Electrical fittings,

Copper + Zinc (Cu + corrosion-resistant, musical instruments,
Brass
Zn) attractive yellow door handles, car
finish. radiators.

Cutlery, kitchen sinks,

Iron + Carbon + Extremely resistant to
Stainless surgical instruments,
Chromium + Nickel rusting and chemical
Steel chemical plant
(Fe+C+ Cr+Ni) corrosion, strong.
machinery.

Iron + Small % Strong, malleable, Car bodies, structural

Mild Steel Carbon (Fe+ about ductile, cheaper than steel for buildings and
0.25%C) stainless steel. bridges.

Iron + Higher %
High Carbon Cutting tools, drill bits,
Carbon Very hard, but brittle.
(Fe+ about 0.5- masonry nails.
Steel
1.5%C)

Uses of Specific Metals

1. Aluminium (Al)
  Aircraft / Automobile Construction: Low density (lightweight), high strength-to-
weight ratio when alloyed.
 Food Containers / Foil: Non-toxic, malleable, resistant to corrosion.
 Overhead Power Cables: Excellent electrical conductivity and low density (prevents
cables from sagging under heavy weight).
 Window Frames: Resists atmospheric weathering due to its unreactive protective layer.
 Although aluminium is high in the reactivity series, it appears unreactive. This is because
it reacts instantly with oxygen in the air to form a thin, tough, non-porous layer of
aluminium oxide (Al2O3) on its surface. This oxide layer adheres tightly to the metal and
acts as a barrier, preventing further reactions between oxygen or water and the aluminium
beneath.
2. Copper (Cu)
 Electrical Wiring: Exceptional electrical conductivity and highly ductile (easily drawn
into thin wires).
 Water Pipes & Cooking Utensils: Very unreactive (does not react with hot or cold
water), non-toxic, malleable, and good thermal conductor.
3. Zinc (Zn)
 Galvanising Iron/Steel: Coating iron with zinc protects iron from rusting through barrier
and sacrificial protection.
 Sacrificial Anodes: Attached to ship hulls and underground pipelines to corrode
preferentially.
 Die-Casting & Batteries: Used in small castings and battery casings.