Metallic bonding
A more complex model is needed to explain the bonding in .
This model represents metal crystals as being made up of positive metal surrounded by a sea of negative . The attraction between these opposite charges creates the . The force of this attraction is very strong.
The sea of electrons is mobile. If a is applied across a piece of metal, the electrons will move, carrying an electrical current. This is why metals are good conductors of electricity.
Explaining properties of metals
The giant structure of metals and metallic bonding explain their properties.
See Also
common metal| Property | Explanation |
| Strong high melting point | A large amount of energy is needed to overcome the large number of strong metallic bonds |
| Hardness | Metallic bonds are very strong so the giant metallic structure is strongly held together |
| Malleable (can be shaped); ductile (can be drawn into thin sheets or wires) | Layers of metal ions can slide over each other when forces are applied |
| Good conductors of heat and electricity | Electrons in the 'sea' of electrons are free to move |
| Property | Strong high melting point |
|---|---|
| Explanation | A large amount of energy is needed to overcome the large number of strong metallic bonds |
| Property | Hardness |
|---|---|
| Explanation | Metallic bonds are very strong so the giant metallic structure is strongly held together |
| Property | Malleable (can be shaped); ductile (can be drawn into thin sheets or wires) |
|---|---|
| Explanation | Layers of metal ions can slide over each other when forces are applied |
| Property | Good conductors of heat and electricity |
|---|---|
| Explanation | Electrons in the 'sea' of electrons are free to move |
Question
Why are group 1 metals soft and why do they have low melting points?
