This definitions covers Key Definitions within Metallic Bonding for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Metallic Bonding in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 5 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Definitions
Metallic bond: The electrostatic force of attraction between positive metal ions and the surrounding sea of delocalised (free) electrons.
Delocalised electrons: Electrons that are not fixed to any individual atom but are free to move throughout the entire metallic structure.
Sea of electrons: A model describing the delocalised electrons in a metal — a continuous mobile "cloud" of electrons surrounding the positive ions.
Malleable: Can be hammered or rolled into a different shape without fracturing — a property of metals due to layers of ions sliding within the electron sea.
Ductile: Can be drawn out into a thin wire — a property of metals for the same reason as malleability.
Practice questions for Metallic Bonding
In metallic bonding, what are the electrons called that are free to move throughout the metal structure?
Explain why metals are malleable.