Question

Metals are good conductors because:
(A) Outer electrons are strongly bound to the atom
(B) Outer electrons are loosely bound to the atom
(C) Inner electrons are loosely bound to the atom
(D) Protons can detach from the nucleus and conduct electricity

Answer 1

Hint: Think about how atoms are arranged in a metal block. The question says metals are good conductors. We know, wires are made of copper or copper alloys. Think about how electrons are arranged in atoms of metals to get the answer.

Complete step by step solution:
- Metals are good conductors of electricity.
- We know metals are electron-rich species and that’s why they are electropositive in nature.
- Metals are able to easily donate electrons and become positively charged. For example, sodium donates one electron to attain noble gas configuration.
- Metals stabilize themselves by donating electrons and getting stable electronic configuration.
- The atomic size of metal atoms is generally large because less electrons are present in the outermost orbital so there is less nuclear force of attraction towards valence electrons.
- As the nuclear force of attraction experienced by valence shell electrons is less, they are able to easily remove electrons from their valence shell.
- In a metal wire or block, atoms of metals are bound to each other by a special type of bonding called ‘sea of electrons’.
- Therefore, metals are good conductors because outer electrons are loosely bound to the atoms.

- Therefore, answer is option (B).

Note: Remember metals are good conductors of electricity because they are electropositive in nature and are readily able to donate electrons and gain stability. Conduction of electricity is movement of electrons. Metals atoms exist together due to a special kind of bonding called ‘sea of electrons’.