C3.9 - Metallic bonding

• The atoms in metals are closely packed together and arranged in regular layers. This means that metals form crystals
• Metallic bonding:

  • positively charged metal ions
  • the outer electrons form each metal atom can easily move throughout the giant structure
  • the outer electrons form delocalised electrons surrounding the positively charged metal ions
  • strong electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged electrons and the positively charged ions bond the metal ions to each other
• Properties of metallic bonding:

  • ductile - stretched in layers to become wires
  • malleable - moulded into shapes in the layers
  • good conductors of electricity - delocalised electrons
  • high melting point and boiling point - high electrostatic force (strong metallic bonds)
• A metal consists of positively charged metal ions surrounded by a 'sea' of delocalised electrons