We explain what a metallic bond is, what its different properties are and some examples of this chemical bond.
What is a metallic bond?
Metallic bonds are, as the name implies, a type of chemical bond that occurs only between the atoms of the same metallic element. Thanks to this type of bond, metals achieve extremely compact, solid and resistant molecular structures, since the nuclei of their atoms they come together to such an extreme that they share their valence electrons.
In the case of metallic bonds, what happens with the electrons of valence is that they leave their orbits around the atomic nucleus when it joins another, and they remain around both nuclei as a kind of electronic cloud. In this way the positive and negative charges maintain their attraction, firmly holding the atomic assembly and reaching important margins of hardness, compaction and durability, which are typical of bar metals.
We can say that the metallic bond constitutes a very strong atomic bond, typical of metallic atoms of the same species. It is important not to confuse the metallic bond with the alloys, What are they Homogeneous mixtures of different metals, or of metals and other elements.
Nor should this type of links be confused with ionic bonds (metal-not metal) or covalent (non-metal-non-metal), although they share certain functional features with the latter, since the atoms involved exchange the electrons of their valence shell.
Properties of a metallic bond
Many of the typical properties of metals are due to metallic bonds, such as their strength, hardness, and even their malleability and ductility. The good driving of the heat and of the electricity of metals, in fact, is due to the particular arrangement of the electrons in the form of a cloud around the nuclei, which allows their mobility throughout the set. Even the luster of metals is due to this, as this type of bond repels almost all light energy that impacts them, that is, they shine.
The atoms linked by metallic bonds are usually organized in hexagonal, cubic, or specific geometric structures. The only exception is that of mercury, which despite being a metal, is liquid to temperature atmosphere and shape of perfectly round and shiny drops.
Examples of metallic bond
Metallic bonds are the basis of the world of metals, so any pure metallic element is a perfect example of this. That is, any pure fragment of: silver (Ag), gold (Au), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), lead (Pb), iridium (Ir) or cobalt (Co), as long as it is not mixed with other metals and elements, it will be kept together by metallic bonds.