Question

In a metallic substance, the metal ions are held together by a sea of electrons freely roaming between all the ions as shown below. Where do you think this sea of electrons has been accumulated from?

• A. All the atoms of the metal
• B. Only half of all the atoms of the metal
• C. Only one fourth of all the atoms of the metal
• D. Not the atoms of the metal but from an outside source

Answer 1

The correct option is A All the atoms of the metal

Metals usually have a tendency to lose electrons. In a metallic bond, there exist forces of attraction between these lost electrons (which come from the valence shells) and the metal ions. Sharing of many knocked off electrons (which forms a sea of electrons) between many positive ions makes these electrons act as a glue and hence gives the substance a definitive structure. This type of bond is different from covalent or ionic bonding. Each metal atom contributes its share of electrons to form this sea of electrons in a metallic bond.