Metals - AQA SynergyStructure and bonding in metals
Metals have giant structures of atoms with delocalised electrons. This explains their high melting and boiling points and why they conduct electricity.
metalShiny element that is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms basic oxides. consist of giant structures of atomThe smallest part of an element that can exist. arranged in a regular pattern.
The electronSubatomic particle, with a negative charge and a negligible mass relative to protons and neutrons. from the outer shells of the metal atoms are delocalisedElectrons that are not associated with a particular atom, eg in a metal, outer electrons can be free to move through the solid., and are free to move through the whole structure. This sharing of delocalised electrons results in strong metallic bondingBonding in metal elements consisting of a giant structure of metal atoms and their delocalised electrons moving between them..