Metals are made up of closely packed cations, and the valence electrons look like a sea of electrons which means the valence electrons are mobile and can move freely from one part of the metal to another. Due to this, a metallic bond consists of the free-floating valence electrons that are attracted to the positively charged metal ions. This model explains why metals are:
- Good conductors of electrical current: electrons can flow freely into them.
- Ductile (metals can be drawn into wires): When you apply pressure to a metal, the cations can easily slide past one another.
- High melting/boiling points
- malleable
https://youtu.be/eVv3TpaQ2-A
Another term we need to discuss is the term alloy. Metals can be combined to form alloys. Alloys are a mixture of two or more metals. For example,
- Sterling sliver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper
- Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin
- Brass is a mixture of copper and zinc