6.3.1

Metallic Bonding

Test yourself

Metallic Bonding

Metallic bonds are the electrostatic attractions between positive ions and negative delocalised electrons.

Illustrative background for Positive ionsIllustrative background for Positive ions ?? "content

Positive ions

  • Metals are made of giant structures of regularly arranged atoms.
  • The structure is a regular lattice of positive ions (cations) in a ‘sea’ of delocalised electrons.
Illustrative background for Delocalised electronsIllustrative background for Delocalised electrons ?? "content

Delocalised electrons

  • Delocalised electrons are not bound to an atom and are free to move around within the lattice.
  • Delocalisation happens because metal atoms have a small number of electrons in their outer shells.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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