Metallic Bonding (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Chemistry): Revision Note

Defining Metallic Bonding

• Metal atoms are arranged in tightly packed lattice structures

• Electrons in the outer shells of metal atoms are free to move throughout the structure

• These free-moving electrons are called delocalised electrons and are not attached to any specific atom

• The movement of delocalised electrons causes metal atoms to become positively charged ions

• The positive ions are surrounded by a "sea" of delocalised electrons, which helps hold the lattice together

• Strong electrostatic forces exist between the positive ions and the delocalised electrons, maintaining the stability of the metal structure

• The repulsion between positive ions is counteracted by the attraction to the delocalised electrons, which keeps the lattice intact

Metallic bonding diagram