Metal Structure & Delocalised Electrons
- Metals consist of giant structures of atoms arranged in a regular pattern
- Electrons in the outer shell of metal atoms are lost
- Individual metal atoms are held together by strong metallic bonds forming a lattice structure
- This type of bonding occurs in metals and metal alloys, which are mixtures of metal
- Within the metal lattice, the atoms lose their valence electrons and become positively charged metal ions
- The valence electrons no longer belong to any specific metal atom and are said to be delocalised
- This means they can move freely between the positive metal ions and act like a “sea of electrons”
Diagram showing the ways of representing a metal lattice structure with delocalised electrons
Exam Tip
Delocalised electrons are not transferred as in ionic bonding, they are merely moving freely in the spaces in-between the nuclei of metal atoms.
