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LogicalAcid
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And how does it make metals better conductors? Is it because the free electrons move charges around better than things with electrons bound to the nucleus better?
A metallic bond is a type of chemical bond that occurs between metal atoms. This bond is formed when the outermost electrons of metal atoms are delocalized, meaning they are not bound to a specific atom but instead move freely throughout the metal's lattice structure.
Unlike ionic or covalent bonds, which involve the transfer or sharing of electrons between atoms, metallic bonds involve the pooling and sharing of electrons between many atoms. This results in a strong, flexible bond that allows metals to conduct electricity and heat, and have high melting and boiling points.
Substances with metallic bonds have properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, malleability, and luster. They also tend to be strong and have high melting and boiling points.
No, metallic bonds only occur between metal atoms. Non-metal elements do not have enough valence electrons to form the delocalized electron cloud necessary for a metallic bond.
The strength of a metallic bond is directly related to the number of valence electrons in the metal atoms. The more valence electrons, the stronger the bond will be, as there are more electrons available to contribute to the delocalized electron cloud.