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

12363 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

When going down group 1 on the periodic table, what happens to reactivity?


What makes phenol different from alcohols?


Why does the ionisation energy of period 2 elements increase along the period, but drop for boron and oxygen?


What is the evidence that disproves the Kekule model for benzene?


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