Question

A metal which is a poor conductor of heat

(A). Lead

(B). Gold

(C). Zinc

(D). Iron

Answer 1

Hint: This metal is used in the earliest type of rechargeable type of battery. It is soft and malleable and has a relatively low melting point.

Complete step by step answer:

Metals are excellent conductors because the atoms in a metal form a matrix through which their outer electrons can move freely. Instead of orbiting their respective metal atoms, they form a "sea" of electrons that surrounds the positively charged atomic nuclei of the interacting metal ions. These are also called Kernels. The electrons then move freely throughout the electron sea. In a copper wire when an external influence of electrons is passed, the electrons present in copper find it repulsive so they move away from each other

Also, gold has less resistance and can move more easily than the electrons in iron. If the energy needed for electrons to detach is low, more electrons are in their conductive state, making this metal a better conductor of electricity.

Iron has metallic bonds which is where the electrons are free to move around more than one atom. This is called delocalization.

However, Zinc is a moderately good conductor of electricity.

Lead is a poor conductor of heat because it readily reacts with the atmosphere to form lead oxide, where we know metal oxides are poor conductors of heat and electricity as well.

Hence, the correct option is (A), Lead.

Note: Lead is a soft, silvery white or grayish metal. Also, it is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison. Deficiency of zinc causes a weakened immune system.