Teaching structure and bonding in metals at 14–16

By Catherine Smith2024-08-22T05:05:00

A 2d diagram showing a lattice of positively charged particles in a sea of free electrons

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Help your learners to master the fundamentals of metallic bonding

To understand the structure and bonding in metals students must first have a good understanding of atomic structure and be familiar with the concept of opposite charges attracting. Use this article’s ideas and teaching tips to provide 14–16 year-old learners with everything they need to know about the electrostatic forces between metal ions and delocalised electrons. Help them overcome common misconceptions by discussing the limitations of the models we use and by comparing ionic, covalent and metallic bonding.

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