Question

What does it mean that valence electrons in a metal are delocalized?
The valence electrons move between atoms in shared orbitals.
The valence electrons move from outer orbitals to inner orbitals of each atom.
The valence electrons move from inner orbitals to outer orbitals of each atom.
The valence electrons move out of the orbitals and go into the air.

Answer 1

Correct choice: "The valence electrons move between atoms in shared orbitals."

Explanation: In a metal the outer (valence) electrons are not bound to individual atoms but occupy orbitals (or energy bands) that extend over many atoms. They can move freely through the lattice ("electron sea"), which gives metals electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and luster. The other options are incorrect: valence electrons do not shift into inner orbitals or escape into the air as part of normal metallic bonding.