When metallic atoms bond, their valence electrons become delocalized. The many electrons form a “sea” of electrons. The attraction between the metal cations and electrons make the metallic bond.

Properties

• Electrical conductivity
  • Mobile delocalized electrons.
• Thermal conductivity
  • Closely packed ions allow efficient transfer of heat.
• Malleable, ductile
  • Non-directional bonding, allows to be manipulated
• High melting point
  • Large sums of energy to overcome strong electrostatic forces
• Lustrous
  • Delocalized electrons reflect light

Factors of Strength

• Number of delocalized electrons
  • Talk about electron cloud density.
• Charge of cation
  • Higher the stronger
• Radius of cation
  • Lower the stronger