Which of the following best describes the basis of a metallic bond?

• A. Sharing of electron pairs between two nonmetal atoms
• B. Transfer of electrons from one atom to another resulting in oppositely charged ions
• C. Attraction between dipoles in polar molecules
• D. Electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions and a sea of delocalized electrons

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a metallic bond is a type of chemical bond found in metals, where atoms release some of their electrons to form a 'sea' of delocalized electrons.
2. Recognize that these delocalized electrons are not associated with any specific atom but move freely throughout the metal lattice.
3. Identify that the positive metal ions (cations) are arranged in a regular pattern and are held together by the electrostatic attraction to the negatively charged sea of electrons.
4. Distinguish metallic bonding from other types of bonding: covalent bonding involves sharing electron pairs between nonmetal atoms, ionic bonding involves transfer of electrons creating ions, and dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules.
5. Conclude that the basis of a metallic bond is the electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions and the sea of delocalized electrons.