Question

State whether true or false.
Metals as compared to non-metals are generally bad conductors of electricity.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint:The conductivity depends upon the electrons present in the valence shell of the atom which can be easily released. Metals have a single valence electron whereas non-metals have more than four valence electrons.

Complete answer:
-The electrical conductivity in the metals is a result of the movement of the electrically charged particles.The atoms of the metal elements are characterized by the presence of valence electrons.Now, valence electrons means the electrons in an atom which are present in the outermost shell of that atom. These electrons are free to move.These valence electrons or the free electrons allows the metals to conduct an electric current.Metals have a single valence electron which is free to move. This causes a strong repelling reaction in other electrons. Due to this, the metals are the most effective conductors of electricity.
-There are many metals like gold, silver, copper, etc. They all have a single electron present in the outermost shell. This valence electron moves with a little resistance and causes a strong repelling reaction.On the other hand, non-metals have more number of atoms present in the outermost shell, that is, non-metals have many valence electrons. So, as compared to the metals, they are less efficient in conducting electricity.Therefore, we can conclude that the metals as compared to the non-metals are generally the good conductors of electricity.

So, the option B is the correct answer.

Note:Students tend to write the answer as non-metals because non-metals have many valence electrons. They assume that the number of valence electrons is proportional to conductivity. Students should know the relation between valence electrons and conductivity.