In a mineral with metallic bonding, how do the electrons behave?

• A. Electrons are tightly held by individual atoms and do not move.
• B. Electrons are transferred completely from one atom to another.
• C. Electrons are shared between specific pairs of atoms.
• D. Electrons are delocalized and move freely throughout the structure.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of metallic bonding: In metallic bonding, atoms release some of their electrons, which are not bound to any specific atom.
2. Recognize that these released electrons become delocalized, meaning they are free to move throughout the entire metal lattice rather than being associated with individual atoms or specific bonds.
3. Contrast this with other types of bonding: In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred completely from one atom to another; in covalent bonding, electrons are shared between specific pairs of atoms.
4. Conclude that in metallic bonding, the delocalized electrons form an 'electron sea' that allows them to move freely, which explains properties like electrical conductivity and malleability in metals.
5. Therefore, the correct description of electron behavior in metallic bonding is that electrons are delocalized and move freely throughout the structure.