Metallic bonding occurs between atoms with low electronegativity (.i.e. 1, 2 or 3 valence electrons); therefore there are many vacancies in valence shell. The crystal lattice of metals consists of ions NOT atoms. When electron clouds overlap, electrons can move into electron cloud of adjoining atoms. The outer electrons (-) from the original metal atoms are free to move around between the positive metal ions formed (+).

The metal is held together by the strong forces of attraction between the positive nuclei and the ¡¥delocalised¡¦ electrons. This is sometimes described as "an array of positive ions in a sea of electrons". There is a strong electrostatic force of attraction that two neighbouring nuclei have for the shared electrons between them. - This is the metallic bond. Each atom becomes surrounded by a number of others in a 3-D lattice, where valence electrons move freely from one valence shell to another. Each positive centre in the diagram represents all the rest of the atom apart from the outer electron, but that

Three electron pairs around the central atom

All ionic substances have high melting and boiling points. A large amount of thermal energy is required to separate the ions which are bound by strong electrical forces.

The delocalised electrons are free to move anywhere within the sheet - each electron is no longer fixed to a particular carbon atom. This allows it to conduct electricity. The delocalised electrons are free to move throughout the sheets. If a piece of graphite is connected into a circuit, electrons can fall off one end of the sheet and be replaced with new ones at the other end.

Some topics in this essay:
BONDING Metal, Na Na+, Ethane C2H4, BONDING Metallic, Graphite Graphite, Cl Cl, H2 Cl2, Network Substance, Periodic Table, BF3 BCl3Because, covalent bond, covalent bonds, electron pairs, free move, pair electrons, pairs central atom, central atom, pairs central, ions formed, delocalised electrons, chlorine atoms, electron pairs central, pairs arrange themselves, electrons free move, amount thermal energy,