Why the metals have free electrons and protons
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The “free” electrons are normally called valence electrons. These in the outer shell belong to the element/ metal in question. There are not enough to fill a complete shell. This means you will have from 1 to 7 electrons in the valence shell. These are the “free” electrons. Free to connect with another element in an arrangement that allows a lower energy state for both. E.G. FeCl3 Ferric chloride or Iron III chloride
The number of electrons in a neutral atom is fixed due to the fact that their number has to be the same as the number of protons. Protons are positively charged, electrons are negatively charged the same number of each makes the atom neutrally charged.
This is where the Fe (III), Fe (II), Cr (VI) and all the other oxidation states come from, E.G. Fe(III) has lost three electrons and so has a positive charge of +3.
The number of electrons in a neutral atom is fixed due to the fact that their number has to be the same as the number of protons. Protons are positively charged, electrons are negatively charged the same number of each makes the atom neutrally charged.
This is where the Fe (III), Fe (II), Cr (VI) and all the other oxidation states come from, E.G. Fe(III) has lost three electrons and so has a positive charge of +3.
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