Metals lose their valence electrons and become cations

“Loose” valence electrons form a “sea of electrons”

Loose electrons are “free to move”

Metal bonds

Strength Malleability Ductility Electrical Conductivity Thermal conductivity Luster

easily bent, pressed or hammered

layers of atoms slide over each other

the electrons can run in between ions when layers are bent

Alnico (AlNiCo)

Brass (CuZn)

Bronze (CuSnAl)

Cast iron (CFe)

Steel (CFe)

Stainless Steel (CFeNiCr)