When metals bond, they form a giant metallic structure, also known as a metallic crystal. They are made up of positively charged nuclei surrounded by a delocalised electrons, sometimes referred to as a 'sea of free electrons'. These free electrons allow metals to conduct electricity, as they are able to move and carry charge freely.
This structure is a giant structure, meaning it is constantly repeating regularly. It is in sort of layers which mean that when force is applied, the ions will slide, and the metal will bend, not break.
The strong forces of attraction between the electrons and charged metal ions are difficult to break; they require a lot of energy. This means that metals have high melting and boiling points.
Metals are also:
- Shiny/lustrous: The giant structure means it has flat, smooth surfaces that reflect light.
- Hard: The giant structure is densely packed and difficult to dent
- High density: The ions are packed closely together, only tiny electrons keeping them apart
- Strong: The giant structure is difficult to break
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