AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
In pure metals, atoms are arranged in layers, which allows metals to be…
Full specification wording
Properties of metals and alloys: In pure metals, atoms are arranged in layers, which allows metals to be bent and shaped.
In a pure metal, the positive ions are arranged in regular layers, like sheets stacked on top of one another.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 5
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In a pure metal, the positive ions are arranged in regular layers, like sheets stacked on top of one another. When a force is applied, these layers can slide over each other without the metallic bonding breaking completely, because the delocalised electrons move with the ions and continue to hold the structure together. This means the metal can be bent, hammered or pressed into shape without cracking. This property is described as being malleable, and metals can also be drawn into wires, which is ductility. For example, copper can be hammered into thin sheets and gold can be beaten into very thin leaf. The regular layered arrangement is the key reason pure metals are malleable and ductile.
What earns the marks
- In a pure metal, the positive ions are arranged in regular layers or rows.
- When a force is applied, layers of ions can slide over one another.
- The metallic bonding is not broken by this sliding because the delocalised electrons move with the ions and maintain the attraction.
- A correct example, such as copper being hammered into sheets or gold being beaten into leaf, illustrates the property.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying that layers of atoms break apart when a metal is bent.
Put it right: The layers slide while the metallic bonding continues to hold the structure together.
Confusing malleable with ductile.
Put it right: Malleable means can be hammered or bent into shape, while ductile means can be drawn into wires.
Stating that delocalised electrons stop the layers from moving.
Put it right: The electrons move with the ions and allow the layers to slide while maintaining bonding.
Exam tips
- Use the words layers and slide when explaining why pure metals can be shaped.
- Mention that the delocalised electrons move with the ions so the bonding is maintained during sliding.
- Give a named example of a metal being shaped to make the explanation concrete.
Try the lesson
The start of the Properties of metals and alloys: In pure metals, atoms are arranged in layers, which allows metals to be bent and shaped. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Why can a pure metal such as copper be bent and shaped?
Listen
In a pure metal, the positive ions are arranged in regular layers, like sheets stacked on top of one another. When a force is applied, these layers can slide over each other without the metallic bonding breaking completely, because the delocalised electrons move with the ions and continue to hold the structure together. This means the metal can be bent, hammered or pressed into shape without cracking. This property is described as being malleable, and metals can also be drawn into wires, which is ductility. For example, copper can be hammered into thin sheets and gold can be beaten into very thin leaf. The regular layered arrangement is the key reason pure metals are malleable and ductile. A strong answer earns marks for these points. In a pure metal, the positive ions are arranged in regular layers or rows. When a force is applied, layers of ions can slide over one another. The metallic bonding is not broken by this sliding because the delocalised electrons move with the ions and maintain the attraction. A correct example, such as copper being hammered into sheets or gold being beaten into leaf, illustrates the property. A common slip: Saying that layers of atoms break apart when a metal is bent. Instead, the layers slide while the metallic bonding continues to hold the structure together. Exam tip: Use the words layers and slide when explaining why pure metals can be shaped.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Layered lattice arrangement in pure metals
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Malleability and ductility
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Movement of delocalised electrons
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Relationship between structure and physical properties
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Layered lattice arrangement in pure metals
- In pure metals, the positive ions are arranged in regular layers, like sheets stacked on top of one another.
- Malleability and ductility
- Malleable means the metal can be bent or hammered into shape, while ductile means it can be drawn into wires.
- Movement of delocalised electrons
- The delocalised electrons move with the ions and continue to hold the structure together, so the metallic bonding is not broken.
- Relationship between structure and physical properties
- The regular layered arrangement is the key reason pure metals are malleable and ductile, as layers can slide over each other when a force is applied.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Properties of metals and alloys: In pure metals, atoms are arranged in layers, which allows metals to be bent and shaped.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge