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Short note: metallic bond

Short answer

Metallic bond is the electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions arranged in a lattice and a freely moving cloud of valence electrons. This non‑directional bond gives metals high electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, malleability, and metallic luster; examples include iron, copper and aluminium.

Write a short note on metallic bond.

A metallic bond is the bond formed in metals, in which the outer (valence) electrons leave their atoms and move freely throughout the whole lattice. The metal consists of positive ions arranged in a regular lattice, held together by the electrostatic attraction of this "sea" of free electrons.

  + . + . + . +      + = metal ion
  . + . + . + .      . = free electron
  + . + . + . +  (electrons move through the lattice)

Properties that result

  • High electrical and thermal conductivity, because free electrons carry charge and heat.
  • Ductility and malleability: layers of ions can slide over each other without breaking the bond, because the electron cloud is non-directional.
  • Metallic lustre and opacity.
  • Moderate to high strength and melting point, which increase with the number of free electrons (iron vs sodium).

Examples: iron, copper, aluminium, zinc and their alloys.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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