Metallic bonding is a core concept in IB Chemistry that helps explain the physical properties of metals—such as conductivity, malleability, ductility, and melting point. This topic appears in atomic structure, bonding, periodicity, and materials science. Understanding metallic bonding clearly will help you answer Paper 1 questions, justify properties in Paper 2, and write strong explanations in your IA.
If you're building your foundation across IB science subjects, Which Science Should I Take in IB? Biology vs Chemistry vs Physics can give you a bigger-picture understanding of how concepts like bonding differ across disciplines.
Quick Start Checklist
Before diving deeper, make sure you know:
- Metallic bonding occurs between metal atoms.
- Electrons become delocalized, forming a “sea of electrons.”
- Positive metal ions are held together by attraction to these electrons.
- The structure is a giant lattice.
- Delocalized electrons explain electrical and thermal conductivity.
These points form the core of any strong exam explanation.
What Is Metallic Bonding?
Metallic bonding is the force of attraction between positive metal ions (cations) and a sea of delocalized electrons. When metal atoms lose their valence electrons, these electrons do not attach to other atoms. Instead, they move freely throughout the metal lattice.
The result is:
- A regular, tightly packed structure
- Free-moving electrons
- Strong electrostatic attraction between the ions and electrons
This bond type is unique to metals and is the reason they have such special properties.
If you want to strengthen your understanding of atomic structure, periodicity, and how bonding fits into the wider IB Chemistry course, IB Chemistry Notes 2025 provides a structured overview.
