Question

Name a non-metal which is a good conductor of electricity.

Answer 1

Hint: On the right side of the periodic table we get nonmetals and on the left side of the periodic table we get metals. To conduct electricity there must be free electrons in non-metal which will conduct electricity. The compound which is non-metal and can conduct electricity is an allotropic form of the element of group 14.

Complete answer:
There are many types of elements in the periodic table which are divided into different types. We know that there are three types of elements, i.e., metals, non-metals, and metalloids. On the right side of the periodic table, we get non-metals and on the left side of the periodic table, we get metals while metalloids are present between them.
There are many properties of the elements which make the element useful, so conducting electricity is one of the main properties. For an element to conduct electricity, there must be free electrons present.
So, a non-metal which has the ability to conduct electricity is graphite as it is the allotropic form of a carbon atom which is an element of group 14 and it is a non-metal. We know that there are four valence electrons in the carbon atom, in the graphite form three electrons are involved in the formation of layers of the graphite while the fourth electron is free and can conduct electricity.

Note:
The layers of the graphite are joined by weak van der Waal forces, so we can separate the layers of graphite easily. Another allotropic form of carbon like diamond doesn't conduct electricity because there is no free electron.