Metallic Bonding Explained Notes (O Level + IGCSE + AQA + Oxford + Edexcel)
100% Exam-Focused | Electron Sea Model | Properties | Past Papers | Updated 2025–2027 Syllabus
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What is Metallic Bonding? (Exam-Ready Definition)
Metallic bonding is the electrostatic attraction between delocalised (free) electrons and a lattice of positive metal ions (the “electron sea model”).
Key Properties Asked in Every Exam (O Level | IGCSE | AQA | Edexcel)
| Property | Explanation using Metallic Bonding |
|---|---|
| High melting & boiling points | Strong electrostatic forces between cations and delocalised electrons |
| Electrical conductivity (solid & molten) | Delocalised electrons are free to move and carry charge |
| Thermal conductivity | Delocalised electrons transfer kinetic energy |
| Malleable & ductile | Layers of ions can slide over each other without breaking the bonding |
| Lustrous (shiny) | Delocalised electrons reflect light |
Trend in Strength of Metallic Bonding
- Increases with more delocalised electrons per atom (e.g. Group 2 > Group 1)
- Increases with smaller ionic radius / higher charge density (e.g. Mg > Na)
Free Resources (Maximum Internal Links)
- → O Level Chemistry Formula Sheet PDF (Printable)
- → Complete Metallic Bonding Notes + Worksheets
- → Cations & Anions + Gases Cheat Sheet (Free PDF)
- → Learn Periodic Table Groups 1–8 in One Song
- → IGCSE 0620 Solved Past Papers Topic-wise
- → O Level 5070 Solved Papers 2023–2025
Watch Metallic Bonding Questions Solved Live by Prof. Faisal
IGCSE March 2022 Paper 62 – Metallic Bonding & Conductivity Question
O Level Summer 2023 Paper 42 – Why Metals are Malleable & Conduct Electricity
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