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What are the properties of metallic bonds?

Several characteristic properties of the metals are due to the nature of the metallic bond. Some unique properties include- 

1. High Melting and Boiling points: 

The metallic bond in the metals is due to the strong electrostatic attractive force holding several free electrons and positive metal ions. Breaking these strong, attractive interactions between the bulk of metal atoms in metallic bond require high-temperature condition. Therefore, metals show high melting and boiling points.

2. Electrical and Thermal conductivity: 

The substances that allow an electric current to pass through them show electrical conductivity. Free electrons and a potential difference are needed for the current to pass. As metals have plenty of free electrons, which are not restricted, they can be the carriers of current. Thus, all metals show good electrical conductivity. 

The substance that allows heat transfer through free electrons shows thermal conductivity. When a metal is heated on one end, the kinetic energy of the free electrons increases, and these electrons move to the cooler parts. The high-energy electrons collide with their comparatively cooler electron neighbors, transferring their kinetic and heat energy. The greater the mobility of electrons, the higher the thermal conductance. Therefore, all the metals with many electrons show thermal conductivity.

3. Malleability and ductility: 

Metallic bonding allows metals to not lose their identity even when they are beaten into sheets (malleability) or drawn into wires (ductility). The atoms only reorganize, so the positive ions are sufficiently distant to avoid repulsion, and free electrons flow through them, maintaining electrical neutrality. 

4. Luster: 

The metallic luster exhibited by all metals is due to the presence of free electrons. When light hits the electrons, they absorb the energy and get excited. On deexcitation, they lose the absorbed energy in the form of light. This phenomenon is responsible for metals showing shine or luster.

 

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Related reading: What is a metallic bond

 

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