# Explain why metals are good conductors of electricity and have high melting points.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 1.8 Metallic crystals · Explain · 4 marks

> Metals have a giant lattice structure in which positive ions are surrounded by delocalised electrons.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Metals contain delocalised electrons (that are free to move)
2. These delocalised electrons can carry electrical charge / current through the metal
3. There are strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive ions and the delocalised electrons
4. A large amount of energy is needed to overcome these strong forces, so the melting point is high

## Key terms

- [conductor](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/conductor)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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