Abstract
The bonding in metals is analysed within the framework of the PATMOS
(Perturbed AToms in MOlecules and Solids) model. The binding energy per
atom is written as a sum of a distortion energy of the atom and the
partitioned interaction energy comprising Coulombic, exchange and
correlation terms. On the basis of calculations on one-dimensional
arrays of sodium and chromium atoms, the following conjecture is
suggested. Metals are made of weakly interacting atoms, i.e. perturbed
atoms. A proper description of bonding requires an unrestricted
Hartree-Fock wave function as the basic approximation. Metals and
molecules have in common the predominance of the Coulombic interatomic
interaction energy. Electron correlation is of paramount importance.