edpell said:Can you point me to a good reference on metals. I want to understand for a metal like nickel with 28 electrons how many are free to move in the metal and how many are bound to the nuclei? Thanks.
Nickel has an atomic number of 28, meaning it has 28 protons and 28 electrons. It also has 30 neutrons in its nucleus.
Nickel has 2 valence electrons in its outermost energy level. This makes it a transition metal.
Electrons in nickel are responsible for its chemical properties, such as its ability to form compounds and conduct electricity. They also determine its reactivity and bonding with other elements.
Nickel's electron configuration (1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d8 4s2) allows it to have multiple oxidation states and form various compounds, making it a versatile element in industrial and technological applications.
The nucleus of nickel contains 28 protons and 30 neutrons, giving it a relatively high atomic mass. This makes it a dense and stable element, which contributes to its strength and durability in applications such as metal alloys.