A solid metal is often known as having 'an array of positive ions in a sea of electrons'.

Write down the electronic structure of magnesium atom and use it to explain what this phrase means.
Actually I don't know how to explain it. So I need you to explain it in your own words, so that I can get some idea. I request you to send it to me as soon as possible. It is really urgent!
Thanks a lot! I would really appreciate

Sorry I don not know

The electronic structure of a magnesium atom is 2,8,2. This means there are two electrons in the first energy level, eight electrons in the second energy level, and two electrons in the third energy level.

In a solid metal like magnesium, the outermost energy level, also known as the valence shell, is not completely filled. This makes the outermost electrons relatively loosely bound to the nucleus of the atom. As a result, these valence electrons are able to move freely throughout the metal lattice.

The phrase "an array of positive ions in a sea of electrons" describes this phenomenon. The positive ions refer to the metal atoms (in this case, magnesium atoms) that have lost their valence electrons and become positively charged. These cations are tightly packed and form a regular lattice structure.

The sea of electrons refers to the valence electrons that have detached from the metal atoms and are now free to move throughout the lattice. These electrons act as a "sea" because they are delocalized and are not bound to any specific atom. They are shared by all the positively charged metal ions in the lattice.

This arrangement creates a unique property of metals called metallic bonding. The free movement of electrons allows metals to conduct electricity and heat efficiently. It also gives them malleability and ductility, as the delocalized electrons enable atoms to slide past each other without breaking the metallic lattice.

Overall, the phrase "an array of positive ions in a sea of electrons" illustrates the special nature of metallic bonding, which is essential for the characteristic properties and behavior of solid metals like magnesium.

The electronic structure of a magnesium atom is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s². This means that it has 12 electrons in total. Now, let's use this information to understand the phrase "an array of positive ions in a sea of electrons."

In a solid metal like magnesium, the metal atoms pack together in a regular arrangement called a lattice. Within this lattice, each magnesium atom loses two electrons from its outermost 3s orbital, resulting in positively charged magnesium ions (Mg²⁺). These ions are the positive ions mentioned in the phrase.

In addition to the positively charged ions, the lost electrons are not confined to any particular atom. Instead, they are free to move throughout the lattice. This movement of electrons creates a "sea" of mobile, delocalized electrons that surround the positively charged metal ions. These electrons are not bound to any specific nucleus and form a cloud or "sea" that permeates the entire metal lattice.

This arrangement is what gives metals their unique properties, such as electrical conductivity and malleability. Since the electrons are free to move, they can easily conduct electricity and heat. Furthermore, the mobile electrons help hold the metal ions together in a strong bond, which allows metals to be easily shaped and flattened without breaking.

To summarize, the phrase "an array of positive ions in a sea of electrons" describes the structure of a solid metal like magnesium, where positively charged metal ions are surrounded by a cloud of mobile electrons.

No, that should like me doing your work. My personal view of the learning process tells me that wont help you understand it at all.

Think on this first: Where are the two outer electrons of Magnesium, and are they tightly bound to ONE atom?

Then look at the very short section "metallic bonding"
That second is well written, and the picture is descriptive. Remember that in matter, it is 3-D, not 2-D
http://www.harunyahya.com/atom04.php