Metallic Bonding (Cambridge International AS Chemistry)

Defining Metallic Bonding

• Metal atoms are arranged in a regular, tightly packed lattice structure.

• When the metal atoms are packed together, the electrons in their outer shells delocalise.

  • This means that the electrons are no longer associated with any single atom.

• This process results in a lattice of positive metal ions surrounded by a mobile 'sea' of delocalised electrons.

Metallic bonding diagram

The layers of positive metal cations are suspended in a ‘sea’ of delocalised electrons

• Metallic bonding is the strong electrostatic force of attraction between the positive metal ions and the surrounding delocalised electrons.

• This strong attraction:

  • Holds the ions firmly in place.
  • Counteracts the repulsion between the positive ions.
  • Maintains the stability of the metal structure.