Metallic Bonding (AQA A Level Chemistry)

Metallic Bonding: Definition

• Metal atoms are tightly packed together in lattice structures

• When the metal atoms are in lattice structures, the electrons in their outer shells are free to move throughout the structure

• The free-moving electrons are called ‘delocalised electrons’ and they are not bound to their atom

• When the electrons are delocalised, the metal atoms become positively charged ions

• The positive charges repel each other and keep the neatly arranged lattice in place

• There are very strong forces between the positive metal centres and the ‘sea’ of delocalised electrons

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