• Metal?atoms are tightly packed together in?lattice?structures
• When the metal atoms are in lattice structures, the electrons in their outer shells are free to move throughout the structure
• The free-moving?electrons?are called?‘delocalised electrons’?and they are not bound to their atom
• When the electrons are delocalised, the metal atoms become?positively?charged
• The positive charges?repel?each other and keep the neatly arranged lattice in place
• There are very strong?forces?between the positive metal centres and the ‘sea’ of delocalised electrons

The positive metal centres are suspended in a ‘sea’ of delocalised electrons