Metals have low ionization energies; thus, they do not have a tight hold on their valence electrons.

These outer electrons easily move around, as they do not "belong" to any one atom. Metals form
metallic bonds which electrons are delocalised. This means the electrons can move freely
throughout the metallic structure. So, because of the "Sea of Electrons", these electrons do not
belong to just one atom but move freely about the metal's network which makes them great
conductors of electricity.

The differences between ionic, covalent and metallic bonds are:

Ionic bonds occur between metallic and non-metallic elements. Metallic elements with more
electropositive will transfer one or more electrons forming cation. The electron will transfer to the
less electropositive or more electronegative non-metallic elements forming anion. Large difference
in electronegativity between these elements make them attracts to each other called as ‘Coulombic
Attraction’ forming a stable compound.

Covalent bonds occur between non-metallic elements that have same electronegativity. This
bonding is form by the equal sharing of valence electrons from both participating atoms. The pair of
electrons participating in this type of bonding is called a bonding pair. Sharing of bonding pairs will
ensure that the atoms achieve stability in their outer shell, which is similar to the atoms of noble
gases.

Metallic bonds occur between metallic elements result from the electrostatic attraction between
metal cations and delocalized electrons. Delocalized electrons form ‘Sea of Electrons’ and move
freely surrounding metal cation. Stable metallic bonding formed.

The similarities between ionic, covalent and metallic bonding is involves donating or transferring of
valence electrons between metallic or non-metallic atom to form a stable compound.