Question

Conductivity of metal's is due to :

• A. Free Electrons
• B. Ions
• C. atoms
• D. Nutrons

Hint:

The key to understanding electrical conductivity in metals is the concept of "free" or "delocalized" electrons. These electrons are loosely bound to the atoms and can move freely throughout the metal lattice, carrying electric charge.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the nature of metallic bonding.
Metals are characterized by metallic bonding, where a "sea" of delocalized electrons exists. These electrons are not rigidly associated with any single atom but are free to move throughout the entire metallic structure. The metal atoms (nuclei and inner-shell electrons) form a fixed lattice of positive ions within this sea of electrons. Step 2: Relate metallic bonding to electrical conductivity.
For a material to conduct electricity, it must have mobile charge carriers. In metals, these mobile charge carriers are the free (delocalized) electrons. When a potential difference (voltage) is applied across a metal, these free electrons move collectively towards the positive terminal, constituting an electric current. Step 3: Evaluate the given options.
(1) Free Electrons: This aligns perfectly with the explanation of metallic conductivity. The presence of delocalized electrons allows for the flow of charge.
(2) Ions: While metals consist of positive metal ions, these ions are generally fixed in the crystal lattice and do not move freely to conduct electricity in solid metals. (Ions are mobile in molten metals or ionic solutions, leading to conductivity there, but not typically in solid metals as the primary mechanism).
(3) atoms: Atoms themselves are neutral and fixed in the lattice; they do not directly contribute to the flow of electric current as charge carriers.
(4) Neutrons: Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They do not carry an electric charge and therefore do not contribute to electrical conductivity. Step 4: Conclude the primary reason for metal conductivity.
The conductivity of metals is primarily due to the presence of free (delocalized) electrons. $$(1) Free Electrons$$