Metallic bonding

Metal lattice (10 × 6)

Ammeter

0.00 A

Thermometer

20 °C

Metal cation cores (fixed lattice)

Outer electron shell (radius ×2) Select a metal ➜

Simulation

Metal (s, d, p blocks)

Colour mode:

Delocaliseable electrons

1 per atom

Electron positions

Potential difference / V

−12

+12

0.0 V

Show heating effect:

Note: The temperature readings are illustrative only and do not accurately model the actual temperatures that would be achieved.

Select a metal from the drop-down menu 'Metal' menu.
Toggle the colour mode to be standard grey or more realistic.
Note the number of delocalised electrons per atom, roughly corresponding to the number of electrons in their outer shells.
Toggle 'Electron poisitions' between 'Delocalised' or 'Localised'
Adjust the electron speed by dragging the slider if you want.
Click the 'Potential difference' button to explore the effect of adding a potential difference.
1. Adjust the potential difference with the slider (note the speed and direction of electron movement)
2. Toggle the 'Show heating effect' option to enable the electrons to transfer heat to the atoms by colliding with them.