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

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine


What is the difference between Sn1 and Sn2 reactions?


How could you obtain a carboxylic acid from oxidation of an alcohol and what type of alcohol would be suitable?


Describe the trend in ionisation energies down group 1.