Question

The mechanism of electrical conduction in metals is thought to be:

(A) the same as that in solid electrolytes.
(B) the same as that in molten electrolytes.
(C) dependent on the movement of ions.
(D) dependent on the movement of valence electrons.

Answer 1

Electrical conduction in metals is dependent on the movement of valence electrons, not on the movement of ions as in electrolytes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanism of electrical conduction in metals is dependent on the movement of valence electrons. Metals consist of metal cations surrounded by a sea of mobile valence electrons, which are capable of moving throughout the metallic crystal. This movement of electrons occurs when an electrical field is applied to the metal, causing the electrons to drift, albeit the motion is somewhat random due to collisions.

Nevertheless, the drift of electrons under the influence of the electrical field results in the conduction of electricity. This mechanism of conduction is different from that in solid or molten electrolytes, where the conduction is due to the movement of ions, not electrons.