Metallic Bonding

This is the force that holds atoms together in a metal. A metallic solid consists of closely packed atoms, but their valence electron are free to move about to form an electron cloud. This creates a net positive charge on the metals which repel each other.

Metallic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction between the positive nuclei of the metal atom and the sea (or cloud) of mobile electrons.

The bonding in metals is responsible for the general characteristics of metals such as

i. Malleable and ductile

ii. High melting and boiling point

iii. Good conductor of heat and electricity

iv. High tensile strength

v. Bright metallic lustre