Metallic bonding is a type of chemical bonding that occurs between metal atoms. It is responsible for the unique properties of metals, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and ductility.

In metallic bonding, metal atoms form a lattice structure, where their outermost electrons are free to move throughout the entire structure. This is known as the 'sea of electrons' model. Imagine a group of people holding hands and moving around freely in a synchronized manner, forming a strong bond between them.

The mobile electrons in metallic bonding create a delocalized electron cloud, which allows for the efficient transfer of electric charge and thermal energy. This is why metals are excellent conductors of electricity and heat.

Furthermore, the mobility of the electrons gives metals their characteristic malleability and ductility. When a force is applied to a metal, the mobile electrons redistribute themselves to accommodate the deformation, allowing the metal to be easily shaped into various forms or drawn into wires.

To summarize, metallic bonding is characterized by the presence of a 'sea of electrons,' which allows for high conductivity, malleability, and ductility in metals.