Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Metals and Metallic Bonding

Metals bond in a different way to non-metals

Sea of free electrons

Sea of free electrons

  • In a metal, the valence electrons delocalise, and can move about the entire material.
  • This is referred to as a 'sea of free electrons'.
  • Metallic bonding is viewed as a sea of free electrons surrounding positive ion cores.
  • The positive ion cores are attracted to the free electrons.
    • You can think of the free electrons as a glue, holding the positive ion cores together.
Electrical conductivity

Electrical conductivity

  • Metals are good electrical conductors because the free electrons can move and carry current.
    • A general term for moving particles which carry current is 'charge carriers'.
Melting point

Melting point

  • The melting point of a metal is related to its group - a group 2 metal will donate two electrons to the sea of free electrons.
    • This means that the positive ion cores carry a 2+ charge.
    • The 2+ ion has a stronger attraction to the free electrons.
    • This means the melting point is higher.
    • For example, Na melts at 98oC, but Mg melts at 650oC!
Jump to other topics
1

Principles of Science I

1.1

Structure & Bonding

1.2

Properties of Substances

1.3

Cell Structure & Function

1.4

Cell Specialisation

1.5

Tissue Structure & Function

1.6

Working with Waves

1.7

Waves in Communication

2

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3

Science Investigation Skills

4

Principles of Science II

4.1

Extracting Elements

4.2

Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3

Organic Chemistry

4.4

Energy Changes in Industry

4.5

The Circulatory System

4.6

Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7

Urinary System

4.8

Cell Transport

4.9

Thermal Physics

4.10

Materials

4.11

Fluids

5

Contemporary Issues in Science

Practice questions on Metallic Bonding

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
Answer all questions on Metallic Bonding

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium