Chapter 21, Problem 21.55SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The properties of electrical and thermal conductivity of metals has to be explained using electron-sea model.

Concept introduction:

Electron-sea model:

• Metals with single valence electron cannot not be localized because of less valence electrons to form electron pair.
• As a result valence electrons does not form electron pair bond between any atoms.  But the valence electrons are delocalized and contributes for whole crystal.
• In electron sea model, metal cations are in a sea of electrons which moves freely in entire crystal.

  

  Figure 1

• The delocalized electrons are responsible for electrostatic attraction between metal cation which held together.