Final answer:
In the formation of a metallic bond, the correct step is atoms losing electrons to create a pool of delocalized electrons that maintain the structure of the metallic lattice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steps involved in the formation of a metallic bond are attributable to atoms losing electrons. In metallic bonding, metal atoms release their valence electrons, leading to the formation of a lattice comprised of positive metal ions. These freed electrons create a 'sea' or 'pool' of delocalised electrons that are free to move through the lattice, which is associated with the metallic properties such as conductivity and malleability.
This process effectively stabilizes the metal atoms involved, as the delocalised electrons enhance the attraction between the positively charged ions and maintain the structure of the metallic lattice. Therefore, the correct answer to the formation of a metallic bond is B. Atoms losing electrons, which allows the establishment of a bond characterized by a sharing of a pool of electrons among a lattice of cations.
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