Question

What property of metals makes them good conductors?

A. The atoms in a metal are tightly packed, so the atoms can easily
transfer a charge.
B. Electrons are delocalized and can move freely within the metal.
C. The metal contains an excess of electrons, giving it a net negative
charge.
D. Metal has a net positive charge, which easily attracts electrons.

Answer 1

Metals are good conductors due to delocalized, or free, electrons that can move freely and contribute to electrical and thermal conductivity. The correct answer is option: B. Electrons are delocalized and can move freely within the metal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The property of metals that makes them good conductors is the fact that electrons are delocalized and can move freely within the metal, as mentioned in option B. This is due to the presence of free or conduction electrons in metals. These electrons aren't bound to any particular atom and can move through the metal lattice relatively easily, facilitating electrical conductivity.

When voltage is applied across a metal, these free electrons drift towards the positive end, creating an electric current. Furthermore, these mobile electrons also contribute to metals' ability to conduct heat, as they can transfer kinetic energy rapidly through collisions within the metal lattice. This phenomenon explains why metals are not only good electrical conductors but also effective heat conductors.