1.7 - Metallic Bonding

metallica bonding <- what this would be called if i was a music gcse student

What is a metallic bond?

the electrostatic attration between the positive ions and the delocalised electrons

How are the positive metal ions arranged?

in a regular layered pattern

What are the positive metal ions surrounded by?

delocalised electrons

How does metallic bonding work?

• metal atoms lose outer shell electrons to form positive ions

• the outer electrons separate from the atoms and create a sea of delocalised electrons

• the positive metal ions and are attracted to the delocalised electrons

• there is an electrostatic attraction between is called a metallic bond

How is metallic structure formed?

the positive metal ions are in tightly-packed layers, which form a giant metallic lattice structure with a regular positive-negative arrangement

What are the properties of metallic structures?

• good conductors of heat and electricity

• high melting and boiling points

• malleable

• ductile

• strong

How do metals conduct heat and electricity

• when a metal is heated, the delocalised electrons gain kinetic energy

• these electrons then move faster and so transfer the gained energy throughout the metal

• delocalised electrons also conduct electricity through metals in a similar way

• delocalised electrons carry electrical current and thermal energy through the whole structure

Why do metals have high melting and boiling points?

metals are in a giant lattice with many strong metallic bonds (electrostatic attraction) between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons

What is the melting point of gold?

1064 C

What is the boiling point of gold?

2807 C

Why are metals malleable/ductile?

positive ions are arranged in neat layers, which easily slide over each other so metals can be easily shaped (malleable) or pulled into wires (ductile)

Why are metals strong?

• The layers of metal ions are able to slide over each other, and so the structure does not shatter

• The metallic bonds do not break because the delocalised electrons are free to move throughout the structure.