Question

16. Cu(s) is an example of a(n):

a.molecular solid
b.ionic solid
c.Nonbonding atomic solid

d.Metallic atomic solid
e.Network covalent atomic solid

Answer: D

Please solve this step by step. Let me know if I am suppose to memorize anything

Answer 1

Copper a metallic atomic solid,

Metallic solids are solids composed of metal atoms that are held together by metallic bonds. These bonds are like huge molecular orbitals that span across the whole solid. This means the electrons in metallic solids are delocalized. They are not just held between a couple of atoms in a sigma bond. Rather, there is a sea of electrons everywhere. A good picture of a metal solid is that of cation in a sea of electrons. Because the electrons are delocalized, it is possible to move the nuclei (the cations) without a huge amount of energy. It is a bit like breaking a pi bond versus a sigma bond. As such, metals tend to be "soft." They are malleable which means they can be pounded into sheets. They are also ductile, which means they can be pulled into wires. The key idea is that unlike covalent solids, they are not stiff or brittle. That is because the cations in the sea of electrons can slide around without needing to break any very strong bonds.

Also, because the electrons are delocalized, metallic solids tend to be good conductors of electricity (moving electrons).

Examples of metallic solids include, copper, gold, zinc.