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Which statement describes the bonding in iron? A - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 10 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 10
Which statement describes the bonding in iron? A. Cross-links between the chains are strong. B. Electrons are shared between atoms. C. Electrons are transferred b... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which statement describes the bonding in iron? A - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 10 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
D. Positive ions are surrounded by a "sea" of delocalised electrons.
Answer
This statement accurately describes metallic bonding in iron. In metallic structures, atoms lose their outer electrons, which become delocalised and form a 'sea' of electrons. These delocalised electrons can move freely, allowing metals to conduct electricity and heat. The positive ions, formed by the loss of these electrons, are held together by the electrostatic attraction to the negatively charged sea of electrons. This accounts for the strength and malleability of metallic bonds.