Chemistry – Atoms, elements and compounds - Metallic bonding | e-Consult
Atoms, elements and compounds - Metallic bonding (1 questions)
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Metallic bonding is a type of chemical bond that occurs between metal atoms. It arises from the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged metal ions (cations) and a 'sea' of delocalised electrons. The delocalised electrons are not associated with any particular atom but are free to move throughout the entire metallic lattice.
This 'sea' of electrons is crucial to the properties of metals. The electrostatic attraction between the positive ions and the delocalised electrons results in:
- High electrical conductivity: The delocalised electrons are free to move throughout the metal, allowing them to carry an electric current.
- High thermal conductivity: The delocalised electrons can efficiently transfer kinetic energy throughout the metal, leading to high thermal conductivity.
- Malleability and ductility: The delocalised electrons allow the metal ions to slide past each other without breaking the bonds, making metals malleable (able to be hammered into sheets) and ductile (able to be drawn into wires).
- Luster: The delocalised electrons readily absorb and re-emit light, giving metals their characteristic shiny appearance.