* Positive Metal Cations: In metallic crystals, the metal atoms lose their valence electrons, forming positively charged ions (cations).
* Electron Sea: These lost electrons don't belong to any specific atom but rather form a "sea" of delocalized electrons that move freely throughout the entire crystal structure.
* Strong Metallic Bonding: The attraction between the positive cations and the sea of electrons creates strong metallic bonding, which is responsible for the characteristic properties of metals like high conductivity (both electrical and thermal), malleability, and ductility.
Examples of Metallic Crystals: Iron, copper, gold, silver, aluminum, and many other metals form this type of crystal structure.
