What is the difference between ionic and metallic bonding?

Ionic bonds occur between a metal and non-metal. In this type of bonding, the electrons in the outer shell are transferred from the metal to the non-metal. This is to allow the atoms to achieve a full outer shell of electrons. For example, when sodium chloride forms, sodium donates its one outer electron so that chlorine can achieve a full outer shell of 8 electrons. On the other hand metallic bonding occurs within metals. This is where the outer shell of electrons become delocalised (free to move around) in a sea of positive metal ions. For example, magnesium has 2 electrons in its outer shell. An electrostatic attraction forms between these delocalised electrons and the positive metal magnesium 2+ ions.

Answered by Sareena H. Chemistry tutor

1886 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does the 1st ionisation energy of the atoms decrease down group 1? What does this tell us about their reactivity?


How does fractional distillation work?


What is cracking and how is it done?


2NaNO3 --> 2NaNO2 + O2. When a sample of solid sodium nitrate was heated 96cm3 of gas was collected, calculate the mass of NaNO3 Decomposed


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences