Question

Identity the element which can't conduct electricity:
A) graphite
B) iron
C) phosphorus
D) Copper

Answer 1

Hint: Nonmetals are chemical elements that are mechanically weak in their most stable state, brittle if solid, and acquire or share electrons in chemical processes. There is no universal agreement on which elements constitute nonmetals; they range from fourteen to twenty-three, depending on the criterion or criteria of interest.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Because the electrons inside a metal are largely free to travel, it conducts electricity. When electricity passes through metals, electrons carry it and disperse it throughout the metal. Metals conduct electricity because electrons may move around freely. Because the electrons inside a metal are free to travel, it conducts electricity. As a result, when only a small amount of power passes through a metal, the free electrons transport it and spread it throughout the metal. As a result, electricity may readily travel through them.
One carbon atom is joined to three other carbon atoms in graphite. Carbon still has one free electron. Graphite is an electrical conductor because of its unbound valence electrons. The term "conductor" refers to the free and unrestricted movement of atoms' external electrons. In graphite, three additional carbon atoms are bonded to one carbon atom. One carbon atom has already been liberated. The free valence graphite electron becomes an electrical conductor as a result of this.
Phosphorus is a nonmetallic element. It doesn't have any free electrons to conduct electricity. As a result, it is a poor conductor of electricity.
Option C is correct.

Note:
Phosphorus is a chemical element with atomic number 15 and the symbol P. Phosphorus exists in two primary forms: white phosphorus and red phosphorus, although it is never found as a free element on Earth due to its strong reactivity.