What is the difference between ionic and metallic bonding?

Ionic compounds are made up of charged atomic or molecular ions, the attraction between the oppositely charged ions holds the compound together. They don't conduct electricity, are soluble in water.

In metallic compounds, there are positively charged metal ions in a lattice which are surrounded by delocalised electrons. The strength of the bonding is dependent upon the number of electrons delocalised by each atom. Metallic compounds conduct electricity and are not soluble in (but some may react with) water.

BB
Answered by Boglarka B. Chemistry tutor

11994 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between an electrophile and a nucleophile?


Can you describe four variables which affect the rate of a chemical reaction and how they affect the rate?


Calculate the pH of the following solutions: 0.002 mol/dm^-3 KOH


Why do transition metals form coloured solutions?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning