# Explain why metals can be drawn into wires (are ductile) without breaking, and why metals generally have high melting points.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 2.7 Metallic bonding · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Metals consist of a lattice of positive ions surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons
2. Layers of ions can slide over one another when a force is applied, so the metal can be stretched into a wire without breaking
3. Strong electrostatic attraction / metallic bonds exist between the positive ions and the delocalised electrons
4. A large amount of energy is needed to overcome these strong attractions, so metals have high melting points

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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