Question

Give reason.
Metal conducts electricity.

Answer 1

Metal atoms have electrons in the outer layer which are very loosely held by the nucleus of the atom. These atoms are free to move about in a particular direction when potential difference is applied between the ends. These directional movement of electrons is called current or electricity. Metals have large no of free electrons.

Complete step by step answer:
Inside a metal there are a huge number of free electrons which conduct current. Large no of free electrons and force of attraction between them is very high in metal. Metals have mobile electrons which help in conduction of electricity. It is responsible for caring current hence they are good conductors of electricity.
The energy band gap is very less in metals, almost the valence band and conduction band overlap each other so the conductivity is very high so metals are used in electricity. Metal atoms have outer electrons which are not tied to any one atom. These electrons can move freely within the structure of a metal when an electric current is applied.
Electrons contain negative charge. There are no such free electrons in covalent or ionic solids, so electrons can’t flow through them. They are non-conductors.

Note: Here we must remember that metals have free electrons which are responsible for the electricity. When electricity is passed from metals, electrons carry electricity. It is spread all over the metal. When electric voltage is applied, an electric field within metal triggers the movement electrons. Electrons will move toward the positive side.