Middle School Physical Science: Chemical Bonding - Metallic Bonds — Flashcards

Metallic bonding is a type of chemical bonding that arises from the electrostatic attractive force between conduction electrons (in the form of an electron cloud of delocalized electrons) and positively charged metal ions

Basically, Metallic bonding is the force of attraction between positive metal ions and valence electrons. The positive ions form a lattice-like structure. The ions are held together in the lattice by bonds with the valence electrons around them. These valence electrons include their own and those of other ions.

Why does metallic bonding occur? Metals “want” to give up their valence electrons. This means that their valence electrons move freely. The valence electrons form a “sea” of negative charge surrounding the positive ions. A metallic lattice may resemble a rigid ionic crystal, but it is much more flexible. If you strike a metal it may change shape, but it is unlikely to shatter as an ionic crystal would. The ions of the metal can move within the “sea” of valence electrons without breaking the metallic bonds that hold them together. The ions can shift closer together or farther apart. In this way, the metal can change shape without breaking.