Metallic+Bonding

=Metallic Bonding=

Metallic Bonds are created in the interaction of cores and electrons. It is an electrostatic attraction between conduction electrons and metallic ions. This means that instead of sharing electrons between two atoms, the electrons in the outer shells are shared amongst all the atoms in the lattice with all the atoms positive charge. These atoms are attracted to the negatively charged sea of electrons. Since metals have few electrons in their valence shells compared to their energy levels, the valence electrons stray forming a sea of electrons that surround a lattice of positive ions.

Other Benefits
Metallic Bonding is a very good conductor of electricity and kinetic energy. The picture below helps depict the different ways that metallic bonding works. The picture A) shows how metallic bonding is used with Gold. In B) the valence electrons move rapidly through the electron "sea", making a good source of electricity. In C) the valence electrons transmit kinetic energy quickly, so the metals are also good conductors of heat. In D) the layers of the atoms in metal are hard to separate and are very tough. However the individual atoms are not held at specific places and slide; making them ductile.

Finally, here is an animation that shows how fast the electrons move and how they form a "sea" around the positively charged ions.

http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/EarthSC102Notes/102minerals.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallic_bond

http://ithacasciencezone.com/chemzone/lessons/03bonding/mleebonding/metallicbonding.htm