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Difficulty: MediumMetallic Bonding and Properties of Metals

Which of the following physical properties of a metal is directly attributed to the presence of a mobile 'sea' of delocalized valence electrons?

  1. High electrical conductivity in the solid stateAnswer
  2. B
    High solubility in polar solvents such as water
  3. C
    Low melting and boiling points due to weak intermolecular forces
  4. D
    Conduction of electricity only when molten or dissolved in aqueous solution

Answer

High electrical conductivity in the solid state
High electrical conductivity in the solid state is a direct consequence of delocalized valence electrons moving freely throughout the metallic crystal lattice when an electric potential difference is applied.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the essential structural feature of metallic bonding.
Metallic bonding consists of a giant lattice of positive metal ions surrounded by a sea of mobile, delocalized valence electrons.
Understanding the presence of free-moving valence electrons explains the physical behavior of metals.
2
Relate delocalized electrons to electrical conduction.
When an electric field is applied, the mobile electrons drift towards the positive potential, carrying electric charge through the solid metal.
Electrical conduction requires mobile charge carriers, which in metals are the delocalized valence electrons present even in the solid state.

Key Concept

Metallic bonding and electrical conductivity due to delocalized electrons
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Metallic Bonding and Properties of Metals

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