Metallic bonds are responsible for many properties of metals, such as conductivity. Why is this possible?

Question

A. Two metals bonded together are going to be more conductive than a metal bonded with a nonmetal
B. Metals have low electronegativity, so they are conductive because they pass charges easily
C. The bonds can shift because valence electrons are held loosely and move freely
D. An attraction between a positive charge and a negative charge is created

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. The bonds can shift because valence electrons are held loosely and move freely.

This property of metallic bonds allows the electrons, often referred to as "delocalized" or "sea of electrons," to move freely throughout the structure. This free movement facilitates the conduction of electricity, as these mobile electrons can carry charge throughout the metal. This characteristic, along with other properties such as malleability and ductility, is a direct result of the nature of metallic bonding.