As we have already learned, the bonding in metal elements is called metallic bonding. This type of bonding is different to both ionic and covalent bonding.

In metals, the metal atoms lose their outer electrons to form metal cations. The electrons from all the metal atoms form a "sea" of electrons that can flow around these metal cations. These electrons are often described as delocalised electrons - delocalised means "not fixed in one place" or "free to move".

This is shown in the diagram below.

As the metal cations and the electrons are oppositely charged, they will be attracted to each other, and also to other metal cations. These electrostatic forces are called metallic bonds, and these are what hold the particles together in metals.