Metallic Bonding
What is Metallic Bonding?
Metallic bonding is the type of chemical bonding found in metals, in which positively charged metal ions (cations) are surrounded by and attracted to a delocalized sea of mobile valence electrons. This electron delocalization accounts for the characteristic properties of metals: high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and metallic luster. The strength of metallic bonding increases with the number of delocalized electrons and the charge density of the metal cations.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Metallic bonding is the type of chemical bonding found in metals, in which positively charged metal ions (cations) are surrounded by and attracted to a delocalized sea of mobile valence electrons. This electron delocalization accounts for the characteristic properties of metals: high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and metallic luster. The strength of metallic bonding increases with the number of delocalized electrons and the charge density of the metal cations.