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This question is about the properties and uses of materials - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 6
This question is about the properties and uses of materials. Use your knowledge of structure and bonding to answer the questions. 6 (a) Explain how copper conducts... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about the properties and uses of materials - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain how copper conducts electricity.
Answer
Copper conducts electricity due to its delocalised electrons. In the metallic structure of copper, some electrons are free, meaning they can move throughout the metal. When a potential difference is applied, these free electrons can drift and carry charge through the structure, allowing for electrical conductivity.
Step 2
Explain why diamond is hard.
Answer
Diamond is hard because it has a giant covalent structure, which means each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms, forming a strong and rigid three-dimensional lattice. The strong covalent bonds between the atoms contribute to the overall hardness of the material, making it one of the hardest known substances.
Step 3
Explain why thermosetting polymers are better than thermosoftenning polymers for saucepan handles.
Answer
Thermosetting polymers are better than thermosoftenning polymers for saucepan handles because thermosetting polymers do not melt when heated. They maintain their shape at high temperatures due to the presence of cross-links between the polymer chains, which provide structural stability, unlike thermosoftenning polymers that can soften and change shape when exposed to heat.