A metallic ion is an atom that has lost or gained one or more electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge. A molecule, on the other hand, is a combination of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. Metallic ions are typically found in ionic compounds, while molecules are found in covalent compounds.
Metallic ions are formed through a process called ionization, in which an atom loses or gains one or more electrons. This can occur through chemical reactions, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, or high temperatures.
Some common properties of metallic ions include conductivity, malleability, and ductility. They also tend to have a high melting and boiling point, and are often lustrous and shiny in appearance.
Metallic ions can form chemical bonds with other substances, such as non-metallic ions or molecules. These bonds can be ionic, covalent, or metallic in nature, depending on the elements involved and their electronic configurations.
Metallic ions play important roles in biological systems, such as acting as cofactors in enzymatic reactions or playing a role in cellular signaling. Examples of important metallic ions in biology include iron in hemoglobin and calcium in bones and teeth.