What is the difference between ionic and metallic bonding?

Ionic bonds occur between a metal and non-metal. In this type of bonding, the electrons in the outer shell are transferred from the metal to the non-metal. This is to allow the atoms to achieve a full outer shell of electrons. For example, when sodium chloride forms, sodium donates its one outer electron so that chlorine can achieve a full outer shell of 8 electrons. On the other hand metallic bonding occurs within metals. This is where the outer shell of electrons become delocalised (free to move around) in a sea of positive metal ions. For example, magnesium has 2 electrons in its outer shell. An electrostatic attraction forms between these delocalised electrons and the positive metal magnesium 2+ ions.

SH
Answered by Sareena H. Chemistry tutor

2789 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are covalent and Ionic bonds and how do they differ?


If 20 kg of calcium carbonate was reacted with excess sodium chloride in the following reaction (2NaCl+CaCo3-->Na2Co3+CaCl2) what is the maximum mass of sodium carbonate that could be made?


Please explain why graphite is able to conduct electricity


What is ionic bonding?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning