Question

What are the properties of atomic solids?

O held together by metallic bonds
O held together by dispersio forces
O low melting points variable
O melting points

Answer 1

Metallic solids are crystalline structures with properties including high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, malleability, and variable melting points, all of which are due to metallic bonding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Atomic solids, specifically metallic solids, have distinct properties due to the unique type of bonding between their atoms. These solids are characterized by a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons, known as metallic bonding. This type of bonding gives rise to several key properties:

• High thermal and electrical conductivity due to the free movement of electrons.
• A metallic luster, providing the shiny, reflective surface often associated with metals.
• Malleability, which allows metals to be deformed without shattering, making them excellent construction materials.
• Variable melting points, with some metals like mercury being liquid at room temperature, while others, particularly transition metals, have high melting points above 1000 °C. The strength of the metallic bond determines the melting point of the metal.

These properties make metallic solids versatile in a wide range of applications, from construction to electrical wiring.