# Copper is a metal used in electrical wiring and water pipes. It is malleable, has a high melting point, and conducts electricity well. Explain these three properties of copper in terms of metallic bonding.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 2.3 Metallic bonding · Explain · 5 marks

> Copper has been used in plumbing and electrical systems for centuries. It can be bent and shaped without breaking, withstands high temperatures, and allows electric current to pass through it easily.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. In metallic bonding, metal atoms lose their outer electrons to form a lattice of positive ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons.
2. Copper has a high melting point because there are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive ions and the delocalised electrons.
3. A large amount of energy is needed to break these strong electrostatic forces, so the melting point is high.
4. Copper conducts electricity because the delocalised electrons are free to move through the lattice and carry charge.
5. Copper is malleable because the layers of positive ions can slide over each other whilst the sea of delocalised electrons maintains the metallic bonding.

## Key terms

- [metallic bonding](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/metallic-bonding)
- [malleable](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/malleable)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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