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Conductivity- For the sake of simplicity, I will tell you about the electron sea model, which is a way of thinking about how metal atoms form bonds to other metal atoms. Metal atoms are assumed to be "floating" in a sea of the electrons in their outermost electron shell, called the valence electrons.

When a group of metal atoms come together, the electrons in their outermost shells start to jump equally between atoms, creating a kind of non-directional bond in which the inner metal atoms are assumed to adopt a partial positive charge and be equally attracted to all the electrons around them.

This type of bond is called metallic bonding, as opposed to ionic and covalent bonding. This type of bond is responsible for the conductivity of electricity and thermal energy that metal has. When electric current passes into one atom of metal, the electrons are equally attracted to every nearby metal atom, so they are very mobile between the atoms, but now that there are new electrons in the metal, the electrons begin to pile up and repel each other.

So as new electrons rush in from a source of electricity, other electrons are pushed out because electrons repel each other. And thermal conductivity works similarly: the electrons carry the heat energy between the atoms until it spreads through the whole metal.

Melting Points- Many metals have higher melting points than non-metals, but Carbon turns directly from solid to gas at a higher temperature than any metal melting point, at about 3900 K, so it depends how you look at it.

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Compared with nonmetals the number of valence electrons in metals are generally what?

greater conductivity and higher melting points than nonmetals. Or D, because your looking at the STAR review packet. :)


How can one determine conductivity in a substance?

Conductivity in a substance can be determined by measuring its ability to conduct electricity. This can be done using a conductivity meter, which measures the flow of electrical current through the substance. Higher conductivity indicates a greater ability to conduct electricity.


What are metals on the periodic table and how do their properties differ from nonmetals and metalloids?

Metals on the periodic table are elements that are typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Their properties differ from nonmetals and metalloids in that metals tend to be more ductile, have higher melting and boiling points, and are more reactive. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are typically brittle, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and have lower melting and boiling points. Metalloids have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals.


What is properties distinguish metals from nonmetals?

Metals are usually more conductive. They have higher boiling and melting points, and lower electronegativity than other elements. Also, Metals are malleable and ductile, whereas non metals are not.


How are solid nonmetals different from metals?

Solid nonmetals tend to be brittle, have lower melting/boiling points, and are poor conductors of heat and electricity. Metals, on the other hand, are generally malleable, have higher melting/boiling points, and are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Related Questions

What are conductivity metals?

Metals have a higher electrical and thermal conductivity than nonmetals.


Do nonmetals or metals have high thermal and electrical conductivity?

Metals generally have higher thermal and electrical conductivity compared to nonmetals. This is because metals have a "sea of electrons" that can move freely through the material, allowing for efficient transfer of heat and electricity. Nonmetals, on the other hand, typically have fewer available electrons for conduction.


Do most metals have a higher melting point than nonmetals?

Yes, most metals have higher melting points than nonmetals. This is because metals have a lattice structure of positively charged ions surrounded by a sea of delocalized electrons. The strong metallic bonds between the atoms require more energy to break, resulting in higher melting points compared to the comparatively weaker intermolecular forces in nonmetals.


Compared with nonmetals the number of valence electrons in metals are generally what?

greater conductivity and higher melting points than nonmetals. Or D, because your looking at the STAR review packet. :)


What class class of elements have less electrical heat?

Metals generally have higher electrical and thermal conductivity, while nonmetals tend to have lower conductivity and, consequently, less electrical heat generation. Among nonmetals, noble gases and some semiconductors exhibit the least electrical heat due to their poor conductivity. Thus, nonmetals, particularly those that are inert or have limited conductivity, are associated with lower electrical heat.


Do nonmetals have higher melting points or lower boiling points?

Nonmetals typically have lower melting points and boiling points compared to metals. This is due to nonmetals having weaker intermolecular forces, such as van der Waals forces, compared to the strong metallic bonds found in metals.


Why is diamond a unusual non metal?

Diamond is a unique nonmetal because its structure consists of a three-dimensional network of carbon atoms covalently bonded, making it extremely hard and having a high melting point. Additionally, diamond has a high refractive index and exceptional thermal conductivity, distinguishing it from other nonmetals.


How are conductivity and concentration of a salt solution related?

The greater the concentration of salt in an aqueous solution, the higher the electrical conductivity. This is because, with a greater salt concentration, there are more ions available to serve as a path for electron transfer in the solution.


How can one determine conductivity in a substance?

Conductivity in a substance can be determined by measuring its ability to conduct electricity. This can be done using a conductivity meter, which measures the flow of electrical current through the substance. Higher conductivity indicates a greater ability to conduct electricity.


What are metals on the periodic table and how do their properties differ from nonmetals and metalloids?

Metals on the periodic table are elements that are typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Their properties differ from nonmetals and metalloids in that metals tend to be more ductile, have higher melting and boiling points, and are more reactive. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are typically brittle, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and have lower melting and boiling points. Metalloids have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals.


How would you determine the melting of a substance whose melting point is higher than 100c?

Use a thermometer that can measure greater than 100 oC.


What is properties distinguish metals from nonmetals?

Metals are usually more conductive. They have higher boiling and melting points, and lower electronegativity than other elements. Also, Metals are malleable and ductile, whereas non metals are not.