Metallic bond part 2

Metallic bond-

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Metallic bond-

There are two models to explain presence of metallic bond in metals-

1)  Electron sea model or Free electron model-

Electron sea model was proposed by Drude & later on developed by Lorentz.This model is based upon the following properties of metals-

a) Presence of empty orbitals –

                   In metals number of valence  electrons is less than number of  valence orbitals. Hence large number of orbitals in valence shell are empty.

Ex.    ₃Li –  1s²,2s¹

In Li , 2p orbitals are vacant.

₁₁Na –  1s²,2s² 2p⁶,3s¹

In Na(sodium) , 3p & 3d orbitals are vacant.

b) Low Ionization energy-

         The valence electrons of metal atoms are not strongly held by the nucleus . So metals have low ionization  energies. Remaining part of atoms after losing electrons is called Kernels. Kernels are nuclei with inner shell electrons.

Ex –  Li⁺,Na⁺, Al³⁺ are kernels.

The important postulates of electron sea model are –

i) The atom constituting a metal possess many vacant orbitals in their valence shell.

Ex.    ₃Li –  1s²,2s¹

second shell  is valence shell . In valence  shell vacant  2p orbitals are present.

₁₂ Mg –  1s²,2s², 2p⁶, 3s²

Third shell is valence shell . In this shell vacant  3p & 3d orbitals are present.

ii) Metals possess comparatively low value of ionization energy. Due to  low ionization energy, metal has a tendency to lose valence electrons easily & to form positive ion called Kernel. The kernel consists of  metal nucleus & inner shell electrons.

Ex.    ₃Li –  1s²,2s¹

(Kernel) Li⁺    –    1s²

Li⁺ (Kernel ) consists of Lithium  nucleus & 1s² electrons.

iii) The Kernels occupy fixed positions called lattice sites. The electrons lost by the atoms are not attached to any kernel but are free to move like the molecules of gas through out the space between the kernels. Thus electrons spread all over the available space in the form of a charge cloud. Such electrons are called delocalized.

            Thus a metal can be composed of an assembly of positive ions immersed in a sea of electrons. Therefore this model is called ‘Electron sea model’.

iv) Atoms in a metal are closely packed.Due to close packing of atoms, several electron charge clouds are attracted by several kernels. So each kernel comes nearer to several electron  charge clouds.This leads to a decrease in the potential energy of the system & metal atoms get attached to one another by strong cohesive forces.

         Thus the force of attraction between the mobile electrons & the kernels is known as metallic bond . It is non directional & weaker than covalent bond.