Can we picture metallic bonding as an equilibrium between electrons and cations?

Can we picture metallic bonding as an equilibrium between electrons and cations?


Suppose:



> 
> $$\ce{Al^3+ + 3e- <=> Al}$$
> 
> 
> 




In metals, electrons are non-localized, forming a "sea" of electrons, rather than having them localized, as in the $\ce{Na+Cl-}$ lattice of crystalline salt. See [Metallic bonding](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallic_bonding) for a more complete description.


It is, of course, a matter of degree, as covalent, ionic and metallic bonding can "blend" from one to the other. A bond can be considered *partially* ionic and covalent, for example; see these [helpful graphics](http://www.longview.k12.wa.us/ralong/tietjen/Chemistry/Metallic.JAT.pdf)


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