AP Chemistry · Unit 2 Molecular & Ionic Compound Structure
Learning Objectives
Electron Sea Model: Valence electrons detach from individual atoms and form a delocalized "sea" of mobile negative charge that flows freely throughout the lattice.
Cation Lattice: After donating valence electrons, metal atoms become fixed positive ions (cations) arranged in a rigid lattice framework.
Voltage Response: Apply an electric field and watch the electron sea flow directionally — this IS electric current at the atomic level.
Tags
MetallicElectron SeaConductivityDelocalized
ELECTRON SEA MODEL
Metal = Cation Lattice (+) + Delocalized e⁻ Sea
Metal Properties
Valence Electrons = 1
Temperature = 300K
Applied Voltage
METALLIC BOND CHARACTERISTICS
Cations (lattice):25
Free electrons:25
Avg. KE per e⁻:0.039 eV
Drift velocity:0 m/s
No Voltage Applied: Electrons move randomly in all directions at high thermal speeds. Their net flow is zero — no current. Apply the electric field to see directional drift emerge from the chaos.