Describe the key properties that rely upon metallic bonding and explain this.

Metallic bonding consists of a strong electrostatic attraction between positive metal cations and delocalised electrons. This arrangement is regular and the attraction is non-directional meaning that layers can easily experience a slip in their layers. As a result, a metal is malleable and can be bent and shaped without breaking.Metals are also electrically conductive. In order to conduct electricity, a material must contain charge carriers that are free to move about. In this case, the delocalised electrons act as free-moving negative charges, allowing for this. A final property to consider is the high melting and boiling point of the metal. The attraction between the ions and the electrons is particularly strong due to the close-packing and regularity of the arrangement of them in the structure.

TH

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are geometrical isomers? Explain, structurally, why geometrical isomers exist.


Balance the following redox equation: PbO2 + SO32- ==> Pb2+ + SO42-


How do buffer solutions work and how do you calculate the pH of a buffer solution?


Why does an ionic compound (e.g. NaCl) conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water, but not when it is a solid.