The electrons in the valence shell of many atoms do not leave the atom because the protons in the nucleus attract the electrons. however, in metals, electrons can flow from one atom to another. protons can flow from one atom to another. protons attract protons of other atoms. electrons attract electrons of other atoms.

Electrons can flow from one atom to another

Explanation:

Fundamentally, opposite charges attract each other, while same charges repel each other. This implies that protons, positively charged species, would repel each other, while electrons, negatively charged species, would also repel each other.

There would be an attraction force between protons and electrons, on the other hand.

Metals tend to lose their electrons to non-metals to form positively charged ions, also known as cations. Non-metals gain these electrons to become negatively charged anions.