Question

Through a sea of electrons (mobile valence electrons), metals typically form alloys. Metals are solid at room temperature, except for mercury, have high melting and boiling points, and are not soluble in water. Additionally, metals are known for being:

a) Insulators
b) Poor electrical conductors
c) Gases at room temperature
d) Great electrical conductors

Answer 1

Metals are characterized by their ability to conduct electricity and heat, their malleability and ductility, and they are typically shiny and solid at room temperature, except for mercury. The correct answer to the question is that metals are known for being great electrical conductors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Metals are known for being great electrical conductors due to the presence of a "sea of electrons" that facilitates the movement of electricity. Metals exhibit several key properties: they are typically shiny, solid at room temperature (with mercury being the exception as a liquid), malleable (meaning they can be hammered into thin sheets), and ductile (capable of being drawn into wires). These characteristics are due to the nature of metallic bonding, which involves a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a sea of delocalized electrons. Because of their malleability and ductility, metals are very versatile in industrial applications. Moreover, the metals' ability to conduct heat arises from the closely packed positive nuclei, which can transfer heat efficiently.