When constructing a particle-level diagram of a pure metallic solid
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
When constructing a particle-level diagram of a pure metallic solid, a student colors the entire interior of each metal atom symbol gray to represent the “sea of electrons.” The teacher asks the student to instead depict the electrons as a separate background surrounding the ions. Which of the following best justifies the teacher’s request?
(a) The valence electrons are fully transferred from some atoms to others, producing a lattice of metal cations and anions.
(b) The valence electrons occupy discrete molecular orbitals, just like in small covalent molecules.
(c) The valence electrons are delocalized over the entire solid rather than being confined within any single ion.
(d) The valence electrons are shared only among an atom’s nearest neighbors.