Final answer:
The air can conduct electricity when the particles within it are ionized by a strong electric field, like during a lightning strike, making the answer c) Yes, because air contains charged particles.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the particles in the air were close enough to test, the correct response would be c) Yes, because air contains charged particles. Normally, air acts as an insulator and does not conduct electricity well because it is composed of neutral molecules that do not have a free flow of electrons. However, when air particles are ionized due to a sufficiently strong electric field, like in the case of an electrical discharge such as lightning, air can become conductive. This happens at around 3 x 106 N/C for air, where the insulating properties break down, and it starts conducting electricity as ions and electrons recombine.
Regarding the other options, Electric charges move easily in a conductor but not in an insulator. An insulator has fewer free electrons available than a conductor, making it less capable of conducting electricity. Also, a charged insulator can charge a conductor upon contact, but this is not the same as confidently stating that air can conduct electricity. The question addresses a scenario where air could potentially conduct electricity due to the presence of charged particles.