Final answer:
Elements that can conduct electricity include conductors like metals with free electrons, and special cases known as superconductors. Semiconductors and insulators also play roles in the ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions or to resist electrical flow, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elements that can conduct electricity are primarily classified as metals, which are good conductors. Other materials include semiconductors and insulators. Metals have free electrons that are not bound to individual atoms, allowing these electrons to move through the material and carry an electrical charge. Semiconductors have fewer free charges but can conduct electricity under certain conditions. Insulators, such as plastic and glass, do not allow charge to move through them easily because the electrons are bound to the atoms.
Superconductors are a special class of conductors that can carry electrical current without any resistance or loss of energy, allowing charge to move freely through them. In addition to metals, other conducting materials like salty water contain free ions that can also move and carry a charge.