Why are metals generally good conductors of electricity?

Why are metals generally good conductors of electricity?

• A. They have high resistance
• B. They have insulating properties
• C. They have few free electrons
• D. They have many free electrons

Answer: (D)

Metals are considered good conductors of electricity primarily because they possess many free electrons. In metallic bonds, atoms share their outermost electrons freely, allowing these electrons to move easily throughout the metal structure. This abundance of free electrons enables metals to conduct electric current efficiently. When an electric field is applied, these free electrons can flow readily, carrying charge and resulting in electrical conductivity. The other aspects of the question highlight characteristics that do not contribute to conduction. For instance, high resistance typically indicates poor conductors of electricity, while insulating properties stand in direct contrast to conductivity. Similarly, having few free electrons would suggest that the material is less capable of conducting electricity, as the movement of electrical charge depends on the availability of these electrons. Thus, the presence of many free electrons is the reason metals excel in electrical conductivity.

Metals are considered good conductors of electricity primarily because they possess many free electrons. In metallic bonds, atoms share their outermost electrons freely, allowing these electrons to move easily throughout the metal structure. This abundance of free electrons enables metals to conduct electric current efficiently. When an electric field is applied, these free electrons can flow readily, carrying charge and resulting in electrical conductivity.

The other aspects of the question highlight characteristics that do not contribute to conduction. For instance, high resistance typically indicates poor conductors of electricity, while insulating properties stand in direct contrast to conductivity. Similarly, having few free electrons would suggest that the material is less capable of conducting electricity, as the movement of electrical charge depends on the availability of these electrons. Thus, the presence of many free electrons is the reason metals excel in electrical conductivity.