• Electrostatic forces of attraction between cations of metal and a sea of delocalised electrons
  • Metal atoms are packed together in a giant metallic lattice
  • Outer electrons are delocalised - All metals can conduct electricity/heat with varying results
    • The sea of delocalised electrons can move freely
    • Therefore, they can move and conduct charge, as they are negatively charged
  • High boiling/melting point
    • Increases with the electrostatic force of attraction between electrons and the nucleus
      • More delocalised electrons
      • Higher charge on cation
      • Stronger metallic bond
  • Ductile: Able to be drawn out/stretched into a wire
    • Cations are in a sea of delocalised electrons
    • Therefore, they will slide when a force is applied, without breaking
  • Malleable: Can be beaten into sheets without being broken
    • Cations are in a sea of delocalised electrons
    • Therefore, they will slide when a force is applied, without breaking
  • Giant metallic lattice structure (Na, Mg, Al)
    • Always describe metals as “grey solids”, with a few exceptions
      • Gold is “yellow”
      • Copper is “salmon-pink”
      • There is no metal that is white

Ionic Bonding

Covalent Bonding