What are valence electrons that are dislodged from their shells referred to as?

Valence electrons that are dislodged from their shells are referred to as free electrons. These are the electrons that can move easily within a material, particularly in conductive materials like metals. When an atom loses one or more of its valence electrons, those electrons are no longer tied to any specific atom and can flow freely, contributing to electrical conductivity. This movement of free electrons is essential in the functioning of electrical circuits, as it allows for the conduction of electric current.

The term "bound electrons" refers to electrons that remain closely attached to their respective atoms, which does not apply in this context as we are discussing electrons that are no longer bound. "Partial electrons" is not a standard term used in electrical theory, and "native electrons" typically refers to electrons that are inherent in an atom and not dislodged. Thus, the concept of free electrons aligns perfectly with the behavior of valence electrons that have been dislodged from their shells.