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Grade 7Chemical bondTypes of chemical bonds


Metal Bond


When we dive into the world of chemistry, we find how different atoms connect to each other. One of the fascinating types of connection or bond between atoms is called metallic bonding. Understanding metallic bonding helps us know why metals have unique properties such as the ability to conduct electricity, shine, and take shape in different forms. Let us learn about metallic bonding in detail.

What is metallic bonding?

Metallic bonding occurs in metals. It is different from other types of bonding such as ionic and covalent bonding. In metallic bonding, metals share a "sea of electrons." These electrons are not attached to any particular atom. Instead, they move freely throughout the structure. Imagine the atoms in the metal as positive ions in a sea, with the electrons flowing like water in an ocean.

Because these electrons can move, they are called "delocalized electrons." They enable metals to transmit electricity and heat, to bend without breaking, and to shine.

Structure of metallic bonds

Metallic bonds form a unique kind of lattice structure. In a metal crystal, atoms are arranged in a dense and ordered pattern. This close packing allows a sea of electrons to flow freely around the metal ions.

Visualizing metallic bonding

, , , , ,

In this simplified diagram, the blue boxes represent metal atoms as positive ions, while the circles within them represent electrons moving freely in a delocalized way. The larger circles around them symbolize the collective "sea of electrons." This shows how electrons can move freely around many atoms.

How metallic bonding works

Metals have a small number of electrons in their outer shell. For example, sodium (Na) has one electron in its outer shell. It is easy for metals to lose these electrons to become stable. When metal atoms come together, they donate electrons to the common sea, which allows the atoms to stick together, thus forming strong bonds.

Na (s) → Na + + e 

This equation shows how sodium donates electrons to the sea. It then becomes a positively charged ion. Many such ions form a lattice structure held together by delocalized electrons, forming a solid metal object.

More examples of metals

Let's take a closer look at other examples, such as iron (Fe) and copper (Cu):

Fe → Fe 2+ + 2e 
Cu → Cu 2+ + 2e 

In these equations, the iron and copper atoms lose electrons and form a sea of electrons around the positive ions, forming metallic bonds.

Properties of metallic bonds

The unique properties of metallic bonds are a result of the movement of free electrons. Let's take a look at some of these properties.

Conductivity

Metals are known for their ability to conduct electricity. This is because free moving electrons can carry electric current. When an electric field is applied to a metal, it moves the electrons in a directed flow, thereby conducting electricity.

Similarly, metals are good conductors of heat because they have moving electrons, which transfer energy quickly through the material.

Malleability and ductility

Metals can be hammered or pressed into thin sheets (malleability) and drawn into wires (ductility). This is because metal atoms can slide over one another without breaking the metallic bonds, thanks to the sea of electrons that constantly flow to maintain the bonds.

Aura

The shiny appearance of metals, known as lustre, is due to their ability to reflect light. Free electrons on the metal surface can absorb and re-emit energy in the form of light, giving metals their shiny appearance.

Conclusion

Metallic bonding is a fascinating aspect of chemistry. It is a bridge to understanding why metals behave the way they do and are important to so many everyday applications. From electrical wiring to cooking utensils, the principles of metallic bonding ensure that metals remain indispensable in our world. By exploring the concepts of metallic bonding, one gains a better understanding of the fundamental nature of the materials that shape our lives.


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