metallic bond

metallic bond, force that holds atoms together in a metallic substance. Such a solid consists of closely packed atoms. In most cases, the outermost electron shell of each of the metal atoms overlaps with a large number of neighbouring atoms. As a consequence, the valence electrons continually move from one atom to another and are not associated with any specific pair of atoms. In short, the valence electrons in metals, unlike those in covalently bonded substances, are nonlocalized, capable of wandering relatively freely throughout the entire crystal. The atoms that the electrons leave behind become positive ions, and the interaction between such ions and valence electrons gives rise to the cohesive or binding force that holds the metallic crystal together.

Many of the characteristic properties of metals are attributable to the non-localized or free-electron character of the valence electrons. This condition, for example, is responsible for the high electrical conductivity of metals. The valence electrons are always free to move when an electrical field is applied. The presence of the mobile valence electrons, as well as the nondirectionality of the binding force between metal ions, account for the malleability and ductility of most metals. When a metal is shaped or drawn, it does not fracture, because the ions in its crystal structure are quite easily displaced with respect to one another. Moreover, the nonlocalized valence electrons act as a buffer between the ions of like charge and thereby prevent them from coming together and generating strong repulsive forces that can cause the crystal to fracture.