The term ‘sea of electrons’ refers to a model used to explain the behavior and properties of metallic bonds. In this model, electrons in a metal are not bound to individual atoms but are instead free to move throughout the entire metallic structure. This creates a ‘sea’ of delocalized electrons that can flow around in the lattice of positively charged metal ions.
For instance, take a simple metal like copper. The atoms in copper release some of their outer electrons, which then become free to move around. This delocalization leads to several important properties of metals: they are good conductors of electricity and heat, have high melting points, and can be easily shaped (malleability and ductility).
Because these electrons are not tied to any specific atom, they can respond to external electric fields, allowing metals to conduct electricity efficiently. Additionally, the mobility of the electrons helps to absorb and re-emit photons, which gives metals their shiny appearance.
Thus, the ‘sea of electrons’ model is fundamental to understanding why metals behave the way they do and is a key concept in chemistry and materials science.