2.4.1

Metallic Bonding

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Metals and Metallic Bonding

Metals bond in a different way to non-metals.

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Sea of free electrons

  • In a metal, the valence electrons delocalize 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.
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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'.
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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

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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