Delocalized electrons in metallic bonding

Steps:

• Recall metallic bonding: fixed lattice of positive ions surrounded by delocalized valence electrons.
• Evaluate A: Atoms are incorrect; it's ions in a sea of electrons.
• Evaluate B: Matches delocalized electrons moving freely through the lattice.
• Evaluate C and D: Malleability from sliding layers, not mobile particles; ions remain fixed during conduction.

Why B is correct:

• In metallic bonding, valence electrons are delocalized and move randomly through the ion lattice, enabling properties like conductivity (per the electron sea model).

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Metals consist of positive ions (cations), not neutral atoms, in a sea of delocalized electrons.
• C: Malleability arises from the electron sea allowing ion layers to slide without breaking bonds, not general particle mobility.
• D: Ions form a fixed lattice and do not move; only electrons respond to electrodes for conduction.

Final answer: B