Why are some metals sonorous?

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  1. Ziffachan's Avatar
    1 03-10-2008  20:21
    • Exalted and Worshipped Member
    • Location: West Midlands
    • Posts: 953
    Why are some metals sonorous?
    I need to explain this with regards to the metallic bond. It would also be good if you could explain why certain metals are sonorous and others aren't.

    +Rep for those who can help!
  2. EierVonSatan's Avatar
    2 03-10-2008  20:56
    • PS Helper
    • TSR Royalty
    • Location: UK
    • Posts: 20,987
    Re: Why are some metals sonorous?
    The metallic bond is a delocalised connection meaning that the electron cloud is free to move - as a result the dissipation of energy in metals is very low, so when struck the energy is caught in a damping effect causing the metal to resonate

    I however am not sure why some metals don't show this property - I was thinking that density had a role (as group 1 metals arn't sonorous) but then realised that lead (very dense) isn't sonorous either
  3. Ziffachan's Avatar
    3 03-10-2008  21:41
    • Exalted and Worshipped Member
    • Location: West Midlands
    • Posts: 953
    Re: Why are some metals sonorous?
    Thanks :woo:
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