Question

Why is metallic bonding different from ionic or covalent bonding?

• A. It is difficult to determine the number of valence electrons involved in a metallic bond
• B. Metallic bonding is the only type of bonding that involves metal atoms.
• C. The valence electrons in a metallic bond are delocalized while the valence electrons in ionic or covalent bonds are localized.
• D. Metallic bonds are rare while ionic and covalent bonds are more common in nature.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The valence electrons in a metallic bond are delocalized while the valence electrons in ionic or covalent bonds are localized.

Metallic bonds are formed by attraction between metal ions and delocalized or free $e^{-}$. Where as ionic bond are formed by transfer of $e^{-}$ from one atom to another and in covalent, sharing of $e^{-}$ takes place.