What types of elements are involved in metallic bonding?

A. noble gases
B. metals and non-metals
C. non-metals only
D. metals only

metals

B. Metals and non-metals

The correct answer is D. metals only. Metallic bonding occurs between metal atoms.

To determine the correct answer, it is important to have a basic understanding of metallic bonding.

In metallic bonding, the valence electrons of metal atoms are free to move throughout a lattice structure of positively charged metal ions. This is because metal atoms tend to lose their outermost electrons, resulting in a sea of delocalized electrons that are not associated with any specific atom. This creates positive metal ions surrounded by a "sea" of mobile electrons. The positive ions are attracted to the negatively charged electrons, resulting in a strong bond between the metal ions and the delocalized electrons.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

A. Noble gases: Noble gases (such as helium, neon, argon, etc.) are chemically stable and have complete valence electron shells, so they do not form metallic bonds. This option can be eliminated.

B. Metals and non-metals: While metals can form metallic bonds, non-metals generally do not. Non-metals tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming ionic or covalent bonds instead. This option can be eliminated.

C. Non-metals only: As mentioned earlier, non-metals generally do not form metallic bonds. Instead, they form ionic or covalent bonds. This option can be eliminated.

D. Metals only: This is the correct answer. Metallic bonding occurs between metal atoms when they lose their valence electrons, forming positive metal ions that are held together by a sea of delocalized electrons.

Therefore, the types of elements involved in metallic bonding are metals only (option D).