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

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A solution of sugar has a concentration of 3 g/dm3. What is the mass of sugar in 0.5 dm3 of solution?


Explain why an atom has no overall charge.


What does OILRIG stand for and what is the significance?


Why do metals have high melting points?