ASChemistryCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes3. Chemical BondingMetallic BondingMetallic Bonding

Metallic Bonding (Cambridge (CIE) AS Chemistry): Revision Note

Exam code: 9701

Richard Boole

Last updated

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

Diagram explaining metallic bonding with labelled circles showing electron movement in metal lattice, highlighting delocalised electrons and electrostatic attraction.
The layers 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.

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    Richard Boole

    Author: Richard Boole

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    Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.