Metallic Bonding (AQA GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

Metallic Structure

• Metals consist of giant structures of atoms arranged in a regular pattern
• Electrons in the outer shell of metal atoms are lost
• Individual metal atoms are held together by strong metallic bonds forming a lattice structure
• This type of bonding occurs in metals and metal alloys, which are mixtures of metal
• Within the metal lattice, the atoms lose their valence electrons and become positively charged metal ions
• The valence electrons no longer belong to any specific metal atom and are said to be delocalised
• This means they can move freely between the positive metal ions and act like a “sea of electrons”

Diagram showing the ways of representing a metal lattice structure with delocalised electrons