Section 1 h) Specification

1.46 understand that a metal can be described as a giant structure of positive
ions surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons

In metallic bonding, the positive ions are regularly arranged in a giant structure. These are surrounded by a sea of delocalised electrons, without which the cations would repel each other; the attraction between the positive ions and electrons holds the structure together.

1.47 explain the electrical conductivity and malleability of a metal in terms of its
structure and bonding.

Metal is a good conductor of both electricity and heat. This is because of its sea of delocalised electrons that are free to move and carry charge.

Metal is malleable and ductile because of its giant structure. It is in layers that can slip past one another when force is applied, as opposed to snapping.