CK-12 Physical Science Concepts - For Middle School

3.10 Metallic Bonding

FIGURE 3.17

Metallic bonds.

Metallic Bonds and the Properties of Metals

The valence electrons surrounding metal ions are constantly moving. This makes metals good conductors of
electricity. The lattice-like structure of metal ions is strong but quite flexible. This allows metals to bend without
breaking. Metals are both ductile (can be shaped into wires) and malleable (can be shaped into thin sheets). You can
learn more about metallic bonds and the properties of metals at this URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap5pH
BWwpu4

MEDIA

Click image to the left for use the URL below.

URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/5086

Q:Look at the metalworker in theFigure3.18. He’s hammering a piece of hot iron in order to shape it. Why doesn’t
the iron crack when he hits it?

A:The iron ions can move within the “sea” of electrons around them. They can shift a little closer together or farther
apart without breaking the metallic bonds between them. Therefore, the metal can bend rather than crack when the
hammer hits it.