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Metallic Bonding

Part of the Structure and Bonding section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 34 of 49.

In a metal every atom gives up its outer electrons. The atoms become positive ions packed in a grid, and the freed electrons move through the whole piece: a sea of electrons.

An aluminum atom with 2, 8 and 3 electrons in its shells: the 3 outer electrons are the ones it gives to the sea

Aluminum, 2, 8, 3: three outer electrons join the sea of electrons

The pull between the ions and the sea is the metallic bond. It works in every direction, so the ions can slide past each other: metals bend and can be hammered into sheets.

The free electrons carry charge and heat through the metal: metals conduct electricity and heat, as solids and as liquids.

Challenge

Aluminum foil is a metal: each aluminum atom gives its outer electrons to the sea of electrons. Arrange an aluminum atom's electrons in shells.

Try it yourself

Electron shellsFill the electrons of Al (aluminium)

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Structure and Bonding

2Covalent Bonds

Sharing Electrons Counting Valence Electrons Drawing Lewis Structures Double and Triple Bonds Lone Pairs Formal Charge Lewis Structures of Ions Recap - Molecule Builder

5Forces Between Molecules

London Forces Dipole-Dipole Forces Hydrogen Bonds Boiling Points Like Dissolves Like Recap - Boiling Contest

8Practice Problems

Recap - Polar Bonds Survey Recap - Pigments and Hexane Recap - Butanol and Ether Recap - Dots on an Oxide

3Shapes of Molecules

Electron Groups Linear and Trigonal Planar Tetrahedral Molecules Pyramids and Bent Molecules Bond Angles Recap - Shape Detective

6Metals and Giant Structures

Metallic BondingDiamond and Graphite Giant Covalent Structures Four Kinds of Substance Recap - Material Match