Why polymers are less dense than metals? Why polymers are less conductive than metals? Why polymers are less hard than metals?
Why polymers are less dense than metals?
Why polymers are less conductive than metals?
Why polymers are less hard than metals?
Why polymers are less dense than metals?
Why polymers are less conductive than metals?
Why polymers are less hard than metals?
1 Answer
Answer to all questions - because polymers do not undergo metallic bonding
Explanation:
Why are polymers less dense than metals?
Metals are incredibly close-packed structures where atoms of a given metal are tightly bonded to one another through metallic bonding.
In polymers, molecules can be very long and branched in shape, meaning they cannot 'fit' together very well. They are therefore not as closely packed, and so are not as dense as metals.
Why are metals better conductors than polymers?
(assuming electrical here)
In metallic bonding (bonds between metal atoms), some electrons are 'liberated' to the surface of the metal. These electrons are known as delocalised and so are 'free to move' across the surface of the metal. These free movement of electrons allows electricity to pass across a metal.
In polymers, no such situation arrises and so electricity cannot be conducted.
Why are polymers less hard than metals?
Well, in short, they aren't always. Plastics are examples of polymers and there are many plastics that are considerably harder or stronger than soft metals (alkali metals especially - i.e. sodium, potassium, but also transition metals like lead).
