# Explain why metals have high melting points and why they can be drawn into wires without breaking.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 9.1 Properties of metals · Explain · 4 marks

> Copper is used to make electrical cables. It can be pulled into long, thin wires and does not melt under normal operating conditions.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Metals have a giant lattice / regular arrangement of positive ions
2. Strong electrostatic attraction between positive ions and delocalised electrons requires a lot of energy to overcome, giving a high melting point
3. Layers of ions can slide over one another when a force is applied
4. The delocalised electrons maintain the attraction throughout, so the structure does not break / the metal is 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)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-metals-have-high-melting-5d8dfc9d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.