Question

Mica is - - - - conductor of electricity.
A. good
B. bad
C. positive
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Recall the basics properties of mica such as thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, free electrons present in the mica, lattice structure of the mica. From these properties of mica, determine whether mica is a good or bad conductor of electricity.

Complete answer:
In metals there are free electrons which carry an electric current. Mica is a non-metal. Hence, there are no free electrons in mica to carry an electric current. So, there is no conduction of electricity in mica.Therefore, mica is a bad conductor of electricity.

Hence, the correct option is B.

Additional information:
In metals, the electricity is carried by the free electrons present in the outermost shells of the atoms and the heat is transferred through the vibration of atoms in which the heat energy given to the atoms which is converted into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is used for vibration of the atoms and heat is transferred to the adjacent atoms.

But in non-metals, there are no free electrons to carry electric current. But the vibrations of the atoms can transfer heat to the adjacent atoms. Hence, in non-metals there is no conduction of electricity but heat can be transferred. Therefore, mica is a good conductor of heat but bad conductor of electricity.

Note:The students may get confused between the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of the mica. The mica shows good thermal conductivity means it is a good conductor of heat. But the mica does not show electrical conductivity which means that mica does not conduct electricity.