Metallic Bond - The Role of 'Free' Electrons in a Metallic Bond

[mahdzer]

Can someone tell me the role of 'free' electrons in a metallic bond?

i've answered below here... am i right? and if there is detailed explanation?

my answer : Solid metal are therefore visualized as consisting on positive-ion cores (atoms without their valence electrons) and of valence electron dispersed in the form of and electron cloud that covers a large extend of space. The valence electrons are weakly bonded to the positive-ion cores and readily move in the metal crystal; they are generally referred to as free electrons. Free or delocalized electrons may also exist in some crystals that primarilly contain covalent or ionic bonds; for instance, graphite.

 

[Mapes]

This is a nice description of the origin of free electrons in a metal (although the last part doesn't explain specifically why electrons might be delocalized in an ionic or covalent crystal). However, if the question is to explain the role of free electrons, you should also cover what properties of a metal are affected by these electrons, and how.

 

[mahdzer]

This is a nice description of the origin of free electrons in a metal (although the last part doesn't explain specifically why electrons might be delocalized in an ionic or covalent crystal). However, if the question is to explain the role of free electrons, you should also cover what properties of a metal are affected by these electrons, and how.

which means not all of the metal have free electron?

and plus i got to give an example?... i'll try search more...

thanks Mapes

 

[mahdzer]

This is a nice description of the origin of free electrons in a metal (although the last part doesn't explain specifically why electrons might be delocalized in an ionic or covalent crystal). However, if the question is to explain the role of free electrons, you should also cover what properties of a metal are affected by these electrons, and how.

Two-dimensional schematic diagram of metallically positive-ion cores, and the charge clouds around the ion cores represent the dispersed valence electron

can this pictures helped? i'll try search the example metal.