Question

What are free electrons in the conduction?

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question we should first learn about the process of conduction. Free electrons are different for different processes. Free electrons in conduction are different from free electrons that are used in various processes.

Complete answer:
Conduction is generally defined as the transfer of energy through a material. Energy can be heat energy or electric charge. Conduction can occur in solids, liquids, and gases. In this question, we are discussing free electrons so we will see the electric charge.
Free electrons are those electrons that are not attached or bound to any atom they are free to move when subject to the electric field.
In conduction free electrons are not directly attached to the nucleus of the atom, they are valence shell electrons of large size atoms. They keep jumping from one orbital to another orbital without direction but they are part of that particular atom. When subjected to an electric field they move in a fixed direction instead of random movement creating net charge movement across an atom. But the atom remains the same; it does not lose or gain electrons during the process.
Conduction of electricity involves the movement of electrically charged particles in a medium. Electric current is carried and moved by electrons and ions.

Note:
Conduction of electricity only takes place in conductors like metals; it does not apply to non- conductors as they lack the free electrons to conduct the electricity. However, some non-metals can conduct heat. Graphite is a unique non-metal that conducts heat and electricity as well.