Metallic bonding
The attraction between positive metal ions and a sea of free electrons that move between them. It holds metal atoms together.
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Analogy
Think of marbles (ions) sitting in a pool of moving water (electrons).
In practice
The free electrons let metals conduct electricity, and the layers can slide, so metals can be bent.
Practice
Flashcards
- Why are metals malleable?Layers of ions can slide over each other while the electrons keep them bonded.
Questions people ask
Why do metals conduct electricity and heat so well?
The sea of free electrons moves through the whole structure. When a voltage is applied, the electrons drift in one direction, forming a current. They also pass on heat energy quickly by colliding with ions. This makes metals good conductors of both electricity and heat.
Why can metals be bent and hammered into shape?
The ions in a metal sit in regular layers. When force is applied, the layers slide over each other. The bonds do not break because the free electrons still hold the ions together. Ionic solids shatter instead, as sliding puts like charges side by side.