Which of the following best describes a metallic bond?

• A. A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between two nonmetal atoms.
• B. A bond resulting from the electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions and a sea of delocalized electrons.
• C. A bond formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal to a nonmetal.
• D. A bond created by the overlap of atomic orbitals in adjacent molecules.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a metallic bond is a type of chemical bond unique to metals, where atoms release some of their electrons to form a 'sea' of delocalized electrons.
2. Recognize that these delocalized electrons are not bound to any specific atom but move freely throughout the metal lattice, which allows metals to conduct electricity and heat.
3. Identify that the metallic bond arises from the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged metal ions (cations) and the surrounding sea of delocalized electrons.
4. Differentiate metallic bonds from other types of bonds: covalent bonds involve sharing electrons between nonmetals, ionic bonds involve transfer of electrons between metals and nonmetals, and intermolecular bonds involve orbital overlap between molecules.
5. Conclude that the best description of a metallic bond is the electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions and a sea of delocalized electrons.