Why is iron a better conductor of electricity than zinc?

Question

Avery Adams · Accepted Answer

This is an excellent question, and one which made me think twice. It is arguably a manifestation of metallic bonding.

In metallic bonding, each metal atom is conceived to contribute 1 or more electrons to the metallic lattice to give, as commonly expressed, #"positive ions in a sea of electrons"#. Such a picture of delocalized bonding rationalizes common metallic properties: hardness; non-molecularity; malleability; ductility ; and electrical conductivity. Because we have a partially filled #d# shell with the transition metal, the iron core should be able to commit more valence electrons to the lattice, and thus here the metallic bond is stronger. In contrast, #Zn#, with a full #d# shell, can only contribute its two valence electrons to the metallic structure, resulting in lower melting and boiling points, and less(?) electrical conductivity. In any case, proceed with caution; perhaps a materials science expert can provide more insightful responses.

Wyatt Adkins · Answer

undefined Iron is a better conductor of electricity than zinc because it has more free electrons available for conduction due to its atomic structure. Iron has a higher electron mobility and a lower resistance compared to zinc, allowing for easier flow of electric current through the material.