Which of the following best describes the bonding present in a solid sample of magnesium metal?
a) Valence electrons are confined to discrete orbitals around each Mg nucleus; attractions between temporary dipoles hold the solid together.
b) Each Mg atom donates two electrons to neighboring atoms, producing Mg2+ and Mg−2 ions that are held together electrostatically.
c) Valence electrons are delocalized throughout the solid, forming a mobile “sea” that surrounds fixed Mg2+ cations.
d) Directional covalent σ bonds form when pairs of Mg atoms share valence electrons.