Learning Outcomes
• Describe metallic bonding as the
attraction of positive ions to delocalised
electrons.
• Describe giant metallic lattices.
How are Metals Bonded?
Definition
• Metallic bonding is the
electrostatic attraction between
positive metal ions and
delocalised electrons.
Example
• Sodium has the electronic structure
1s22s22p63s1.
• When sodium atoms come together, the
electron in the 3s atomic orbital of one
sodium atom shares space with the
corresponding electron on a neighbouring
atom to form a molecular orbital.
• This is similar to the way that a covalent bond
is formed.
• How is metallic bonding different
from covalent bonding?
–Covalent bonds are localised
–Metallic bonds are delocalised.
• Describe the bonding in
magnesium.
• Magnesium has 2 electrons in outer
shell.
• 2 delocalised electrons shared by each
atom in the lattice
• An extra proton means extra attraction.
• Magnesium atom smaller so electrons
closer to nucleus
• This gives stronger bonding leading to
higher melting and boiling points.
What is a giant metallic structure?
• “Giant” means that a large but variable
numbers of atoms are involved - depending on
the size of the piece of metal.
• The delocalised electrons can move within the
structure.
• You cannot tell which electron comes from
which atom.
• Overall the charges are balanced.
What are the properties of metals?
• High melting and boiling points
• Good electrical conductors
• Malleable
• Ductile
Why do metals have high melting/boiling
points?
• The metallic bonds between the
positive metal ions and the
delocalised electrons are strong.
• High temperatures are needed to
break the metallic bonds.
Why do metals conduct electricity?
• The delocalised electrons can move freely
anywhere within the metal lattice allowing
them to conduce electricity.
Why are metals malleable?
• “Malleable” means that the metal can be
hammered and pressed into shape.
• The atoms are able to roll over each other into
new positions without breaking the metallic
bonds.
Why are metals ductile?
• “Ductile” means that they can be drawn out
into a wire.
• This is also due to the ability of the atoms to
roll over each other.
What is an alloy?
• A mixture of metals
• They are not a compound – why?
• Alloys modify a metal’s properties
– how?
Alloys
Metal
Alloy
Questions
1) What is meant by metallic
bonding?
2) How does a metal conduct
electricity?
3) Explain how metallic bonding is
different from covalent bonding.
