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Bound electrons are the electrons locked in orbit of the atom which are held in orbit by its attraction to the positive charge of the proton(s) in the nucleus. Electrons have a negative charge. Conversely, the free electrons are electrons that are not orbiting the nucleus of an atom normally in the form of static electricity. Valence electrons are the electrons orbiting the outermost shell of the atom are weakly held by the positive proton charges and can be transferred to or shared with one or more other atoms. Valence electrons are bound until they are freed by some outside force or reaction.

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Q: What is the difference between bound and free electrons?
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In a covalent bond, the electrons can be defined by the atoms they are shared between; specific atoms are bound to specific others. In metallic bonding, the nuclei "float" in a sea of electrons. the electrons here are shared by the mass as a whole, with no nuclei being bound to any specific other nuclei and no electrons bound to any particular atoms.


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