Delocalized electrons — Science definition
Valence electrons that are not tied to a single atom but move freely throughout a piece of metal.
Where it is taught
- Metallic Bonding — Bonding, Formulas & Molecular Structure, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
Chemists picture this as a 'sea of electrons': a lattice of positively charged metal ions sitting in a fluid ocean of delocalized electrons — 'delocalized' meaning the electrons aren't tied to any one atom but are free to roam everywhere.
Metallic Bonding