CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
Sodium and magnesium are both metallic elements in Period 3. The melting point of sodium is 98 °C, while that of magnesium is 650 °C. At room temperature, both conduct electricity, but magnesium is the better conductor.
Suggest, in terms of structure and bonding, why magnesium has a higher melting point and is a better electrical conductor than sodium.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Suggest means: Apply what you know to an unfamiliar situation. There may be more than one acceptable answer. Reason from the principle you have learned to the new context, and say which principle you are using.
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.