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This question is about structure and bonding - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 16 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 16
This question is about structure and bonding. (a) Look at the two structures, A and B, in Fig. 16.1. (i) Identify the bonding in structure A. Explain your answer.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about structure and bonding - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 16 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
Identify the bonding in structure A. Explain your answer.
Answer
The bonding in structure A is ionic bonding. This is evident because structure A includes both cations and anions, which are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. This arrangement typically occurs when metals lose electrons to form cations and non-metals gain electrons to form anions, leading to the formation of an ionic lattice.
Step 2
Explain why structure B has a high melting point.
Answer
Structure B has a high melting point due to the presence of strong covalent bonds between the atoms. In a covalent network structure, atoms are bonded throughout the material in a three-dimensional arrangement, requiring significant energy to break these bonds during melting. This strong bond strength results in a high melting temperature compared to simpler molecular structures, which may have weaker intermolecular forces.
Step 3
Explain why structure B does not conduct electricity.
Answer
Structure B does not conduct electricity because it lacks free-moving charged particles. In covalent structures, the electrons are shared between atoms rather than being free to move. Unlike metals, which have delocalized electrons that can move freely and conduct electricity, the fixed nature of electrons in structure B prevents electrical conductivity.
Step 4
Explain why metals are malleable.
Answer
Metals are malleable due to the arrangement of their atoms in a lattice structure that allows layers of atoms to slide over each other when stress is applied. The metallic bonds, formed by delocalized electrons, provide sufficient attraction to hold the atoms together while allowing movement. This sliding action enables metals to be shaped or bent without breaking, a key characteristic of malleability.