What types of substances are with Metallic Bonds

Chemistry · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

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Substances with metallic bonds are typically metals. Metallic bonding is a type of chemical bonding that occurs between atoms of metallic elements. In metals, the outermost electrons (valence electrons) are not strongly held by individual atoms but are free to move throughout the entire metal structure. This electron delocalization is a key feature of metallic bonding and gives rise to some distinctive properties of metals.

Characteristics of substances with metallic bonds include:

  1. Electron Delocalization: In metallic bonding, electrons are not confined to individual atoms but are free to move throughout the metal lattice. This "sea of electrons" contributes to the characteristic properties of metals.
  2. Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of electricity because the delocalized electrons can move freely and carry an electric current.
  3. Malleability and Ductility: Metals are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into thin wires) due to the ability of the atoms to slide past each other without breaking the metallic bond.
  4. Luster: Metals typically have a shiny or lustrous appearance due to the reflection of light by the delocalized electrons.
  5. High Melting and Boiling Points: Metals generally have high melting and boiling points because the metallic bond is strong and requires a significant amount of energy to break.

Common examples of substances with metallic bonds include copper, iron, aluminum, gold, and silver.