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In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 2
In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate. Metals and thermosetting p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how the properties of a metal relate to its structure.
Answer
Metals possess inherent properties such as shininess and high tensile strength. The structure of a metal is characterized by closely packed atoms arranged in a regular lattice pattern. This arrangement allows metal atoms to slide over each other, leading to ductility. Additionally, metals have strong electrostatic attractions between the positively charged ions and the delocalized electrons, contributing to their high melting and boiling points. The ability of metals to conduct electricity and thermal energy is due to these delocalized electrons that can move freely throughout the structure.
Step 2
Explain how the properties of a thermosoftening polymer relate to its structure.
Answer
Thermosoftening polymers are known for their flexibility and lower melting point. The structure of these polymers consists of long chains of molecules that may be tangled, with no cross-links between them. This structural characteristic allows the polymer chains to slide over each other, making the material malleable when heat is applied. As a result, thermosoftening polymers can be shaped or molded and generally exhibit lower density compared to metals. They are poor conductors of electricity and thermal energy, primarily due to the absence of free-moving charged particles.
Step 3
Link the properties of a metal and a thermosoftening polymer.
Answer
A metal is often shiny and can conduct electricity because its atoms are arranged in a regular pattern in a lattice structure, allowing for the free movement of electrons. Conversely, a thermosoftening polymer's flexibility arises from its molecular chains that are loosely packed, which can slide past one another. The strength of a metal comes from strong bonds between closely packed atoms, whereas the melting behavior of thermosoftening polymers is due to their lack of strong intermolecular forces, allowing them to soften upon heating.