Question

The structure of copper is described as a lattice of positive ions in a 'sea of electrons'.

Which statements are correct?
1 Copper has a high melting point because of the strong electrostatic attraction
between the positive ions and the 'sea of electrons'.
2 Copper is malleable because the layers of atoms in the lattice can slide over each
other.
3 Copper atoms can be oxidised to form copper ions by losing electrons.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
1 and 2 only
с
1 and 3 only
D 2 and 3 only

Answer 1

A

Step-by-step explanation:

Metal atoms are held together by metallic bonds. The metallic bonds are composed of a lattice of positive ions in a 'sea of electrons'.

The metal atoms are held together by strong electrostatic attraction between the positive ions and the 'sea of electrons' leading to high melting point of metals including copper.

Similarly, when a metal undergoes stress, the layers of the metal roll over each other but the lattice remains in place. Hence for metals such as Copper, layers of atoms in the lattice can slide over each other thereby making the metal malleable.

Metals oxidize by electron loss. Since Copper is metal, it can also be oxidized to form copper ions by loosing electrons.