Chapter 21, Problem 21.64SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using the electron-sea model, explain the difference between a hard metal like tungsten and a soft metal like caesium.

Concept introduction:

• There are two theoretical models for bonding in metals which are the electron-sea model and the molecular orbital theory.
• The electron-sea model, when a metal crystal is viewed as a three-dimensional array of metal cations immersed in a sea of delocalized electrons that are free to move throughout the crystal.
• Metals with one valence electron crystallize in a body-centered cubic structure where each central metal atom is surrounded by 8 neighbouring atoms.

To classify: The difference in hard and soft metals.