Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
This refers to electrons in a molecule, ion or solid metal that are not associated with a single atom or a covalent bond.
Related terms
Covalent Bonding: This is when pairs of electrons are shared by atoms. In our bee analogy, this would be like two bees agreeing to share a particular flower instead of buzzing around everywhere.
This is when one atom gives up one or more electrons (negative charges) and another accepts them. It's like if one bee gave its pollen (electron) away completely!
Metallic Bonding: This type involves delocalized electrons moving freely throughout a metal lattice structure – similar again to our bees buzzing freely around the garden.