Learning Objective: Explore metallic bonding and understand how the "sea of delocalised electrons" explains key metallic properties: conductivity, malleability, ductility, and lustre.
Metallic Lattice Model
+ + + + + + "Sea of delocalised electrons" Electrons absorb & re-emit light = LUSTRE Ions slide past each other = MALLEABILITY Electrons flow freely = CONDUCTIVITY
Interactive Controls
Low High 20°C
Electrical Conductivity
Delocalised electrons move freely and carry electric current. At higher temperatures, ion vibrations impede flow = higher resistance.
Malleability & Ductility
Layers of positive ions can slide past each other without breaking bonds because the electron sea holds them together.
Metallic Lustre
Delocalised electrons absorb photons and re-emit them, giving metals their characteristic shiny appearance.
High Melting Point
Strong electrostatic attraction between positive ions and the electron sea requires lots of energy to overcome.
At low temperature, ions vibrate slightly and electrons flow freely — metals conduct electricity well.