Can we picture metallic bonding as an equilibrium between electrons and cations?
Suppose:
$$\ce{Al^3+ + 3e- <=> Al}$$
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Sign up to join this communityCan we picture metallic bonding as an equilibrium between electrons and cations?
Suppose:
$$\ce{Al^3+ + 3e- <=> Al}$$
In metals, electrons are non-localized, forming a "sea" of electrons, rather than having them localized, as in the $\ce{Na+Cl-}$ lattice of crystalline salt. See Metallic bonding for a more complete description.
It is, of course, a matter of degree, as covalent, ionic and metallic bonding can "blend" from one to the other. A bond can be considered partially ionic and covalent, for example; see these helpful graphics