Chemistry - Metallic Bonding

Metallic bonding diagram

+ = cation. yellow dot = delocalised electron

What is a metallic bond?

An electrostatic attraction between metal cations and delocalised electrons

Physical properties of metals

High melting point → they are giant structures. We have to break many strong bonds (attraction between ions and electrons) which requires lots of energy

Conducts electricity (and heat) → the delocalised electrons are free to move throughout the whole structure

Malleable (can be hammered into shape) and ductile (can be drawn out into wires) → the layers of ions in the metal can slide past each other and in their new positions

What are alloys?

A mixture of two or more elements (usually metals or carbon)

Alloy physical properties

Low melting points due to less strong bonds but are less malleable and ductile than pure metals because the different elements’ atoms are different sizes so it creates an interupted pattern. This means the layers cant slide, making it harder and stronger