Revision NotesExam QuestionsPast Papers
GCSEScienceAQACombined Science: TrilogyChemistryRevision NotesBonds, Structure & Properties of MatterIonic, Covalent & Metallic BondMetallic Bonding

Metallic Bonding (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy): Revision Note

Exam code: 8464

Stewart Hird

Last updated

AQA Combined Science: Trilogy: ChemistryAQA Chemistry

Metallic structure

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”

Metallic structure

Representation of metallic bonding

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

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Delocalised electrons are not transferred as in ionic bonding, they are merely moving freely in the spaces in-between the nuclei of metal atoms.

For teachers

Ready to test your students on this topic?

  • Create exam-aligned tests in minutes
  • Differentiate easily with tiered difficulty
  • Trusted for all assessment types
Explore Test Builder
Test Builder in a diagram showing questions being picked from different difficulties and topics, and being downloaded as a shareable format.
Test yourself
Previous:Covalent bondingNext:States of Matter
Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.