METALLIC BONDING

This is a type of metallic bond which occurs among large numbers of metal atoms.

This type of bond is explained by model known as electron sea model.

ELECTRON SEA MODEL

In reaction with non metals, reactive metals (such as Na) transfer their outer electrons and form
ionic solids (such as NaCl). Two metal atoms can also share their valence electrons in a covalent
bond and form gaseous, diatomic molecules such as (Na2).

But what holds the atoms together in a piece of sodium metal?

The electron – sea model of metallic bonding proposes that all the metal atoms in the sample
contributes their valence electrons to form an electron sea’ that delocalized throughout the
substance. The metal ions (the nuclei with their core electrons) are submerged within this
electron sea in an orderly array.

Although there are metallic compounds, it is more typically for metals to form alloy, which is
solid mixture with variable composition. Familiar metallic substances used for car part, air plane
bodies, building and bridge support, coins, jewelry and dental works are all made by using alloy.

PROPERTIES OF METALS

Although the physical properties vary over a wide range of metals, the following are some of the
properties of metals;

 Most of metals are solid with moderate to high melting point and much high boiling
point.
 Metal typically bend or dent rather than crack or shatter.
 Many metals can be flattened into sheet (malleable)
 Metals can be pulled into wire (ductile)
 Metals conduct electricity well in both solid and liquid state

Therefore, the features of electron sea model which account for the properties are regularity but
not rigidity of the metal- ion array and mobility of the valence electrons.
Melting point is only moderately high because the attractions between movable cat ions and
electrons need not to be broken during melting.

Boiling metals require each cat ion and its electrons to be break away from the others so, boiling
point are quite higher.

FORMATION OF METALLIC BONDS

Each metal atom gives up its outer electrons in a sea of electrons. The electrons are said to be
delocalized. They are no longer associated with any particular atom.

In effect, the metal atoms become positive ions. These ions are arranged in a giant metallic
structure. The electrons are free to drift about within the metal’s giant lattice. The negatively
charged electrons attract the positive ions. They act as glue that sticks the metal ions together.

There is no overall charge on the metal. On average, the number of electrons near a particular ion
at any time will be equal the number of electrons it donated into the sea of electrons.
REFFERENCES

 Nelson Thornes; Advanced Chemistry for you.

 Silberg; Chemistry, The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change. Second Edition