Question

Good conductors have many loosely bound _____________.

Answer 1

In order to answer the above question, we will try and understand the term conductivity and will discuss the conductors. Secondly, we will understand the important factor to carry out the conduction. Finally, we will conclude our answer using all the information provided.

Complete answer:
As we all know that the physical properties such as malleability, phase, texture, colour, polarity, solubility, and others help us distinguish the elements around us. However, as we all know, another critical classification of elements is based on their electric charge conductivity, i.e. conductors and insulators.

Every material is special, with its own set of characteristics and properties. Electrons are electrically charged particles found in certain materials. At specific stages, an electric charge is applied to the electrons, causing them to shift and allowing electricity to pass through. Conductivity refers to a material's capacity to transfer electricity through it. Conductors are materials that have a high mobility of electrons, whereas insulators are materials that have a low mobility of electrons.

The electric current is the movement of electrons in a conductor. Voltage is the force used to make the current flow through the conductor. When a charge is applied to such an element, it is spread over the entire surface of the material, causing electrons to travel around within. Charges are passed to an electrical conductor until the force of repulsion between electrons in areas of excess electrons is reduced to zero. When such an object comes into contact with another conductor, the charge is passed from the first conductor to the second, reducing overall charge repulsion.

As we can conclude from the above discussion, the conductivity of a material is directly related to the flow of electrons. Therefore, in order for a conductor to become a good conductor and conduct electricity, an abundant amount of electrons are required. And therefore, for a good conductor of electricity, the conductor must have many loosely bound electrons that can play their role in the conductivity of the material.

Hence, good conductors have many loosely bound electrons.

Note: It is important to note that the current is not only carried out by the movement of electrons, but is also carried out with the movement of holes. Holes are the positive charges which are generated on the surface of the material when loosely bound electrons lose their places. The only difference is that the holes travel in the opposite direction to that of the electrons.