# Steel cables are used to suspend large bridges. Suggest why the metallic structure of steel makes it suitable for this purpose. Give two reasons.

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

> Steel cables in suspension bridges must support enormous loads without snapping, and must be able to flex slightly as vehicles cross.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Steel has high tensile strength / is strong, so it can support heavy loads without breaking
2. Metallic bonds are strong / metal ions are held together by a sea of delocalised electrons, so the structure does not easily break
3. Steel is malleable / ductile, so the cable can flex / bend without snapping
4. Layers of metal ions can slide over one another when a force is applied, so the structure does not crack

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