Science glossary film: Metallic bond

A metallic bond is the attractive force that exists between positively charged ions and the 'sea' of negative electrons in a metal element. Metal atoms readily give up their outer shell electrons, which then move randomly throughout the lattice of positive metal ions. It is the strength of this attraction that gives metals their mechanical strength.

Metal atoms readily give up their outer shell electrons, which then move randomly throughout the lattice of positive metal ions. It is the strength of this attraction that gives metals their mechanical strength.