What is a metallic is bond?

Answer 1

We generally understand metallic bonding as the dynamic electromagnetic activity that exists between the nuclei of metal atoms and the "free electrons" (delocalized electrons) that "wander" through the metallic matrix. The term free electrons is often associated with the idea of conduction electrons. Consider a "model" and what is happening within it to get a handle on the idea.

Picture a "construct" or matrix of metal atoms. Now consider that not all the electrons within the matrix are "involved" in the structure, and take these electrons out. We end up with basically the same matrix, but without all those "free electrons" within it to wander around. That's the basic metallic crystal structure. Now dump all those delocalized ("free") electrons back into the sturcture and look at the way those electrons and the positively charged nuclei interact. That is metallic bonding.

Metallic bonding is a "general" bonding where all the positively charged nuclei are pulling and tugging on all of the free electrons as those electrons move about in the matrix. No single atomic nucleus forms a metallic bond with an electron, but rather it is a "group effort" or "group effect" of all the atomic nuclei and all those delocalized electrons. It might be viewed as a quantum mechanical phenomenon rather than a "physical" one. A link can be found below for more reading.

Answer 2

an attraction between a positive metal ion and the electrons surrounding it.

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Answer 3

A metallic bond is an electromagnetic attraction between electrons.