Question

The melting point of the metal potassium is 63.5c, while that of titanium is 1660c. what explanation can be given for this great difference in melting temperature?

Answer 1

The melting point of potassium = $63.5^{0}C$

Melting point of titanium = $1660^{0}C$

Titanium has a stronger metallic bonding compared to potassium. Titanium being a transition metal has greater number of valence electrons (4 valence electrons) contributing to the valence electron sea compared to potassium which has only one valence electron. The atomic size of Titanium much lower than that of potassium, so the bonding between Titanium atoms is stronger than that of potassium. Hence, the melting point of Titanium is much higher than that of potassium.