Metallic Bonding

2 marks · Easy

Each atom of lithium in solid lithium metal loses one electron to become a Li ion. In a piece of lithium metal containing lithium atoms, calculate the total number of delocalised electrons present.

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1.0 \times 10^{22} delocalised electrons (±0)

Also accept: There are the same number of delocalised electrons as lithium atoms, so answer is 1.0 x 10^22

Common mistakes: Multiplying by more than one electron per atom; Using formula mass or Avogadro's number incorrectly

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · Recognises that each Li atom provides 1 delocalised electron, so total electrons = number of atoms

A1 · 1 mark · Gives correct final answer delocalised electrons

Worked solution

Each lithium atom contributes 1 delocalised electron when forming the metallic lattice.

Number of lithium atoms =

So, total delocalised electrons = number of atoms

Final answer: delocalised electrons