Are metals or nonmetals better conductors of electric current? Why?

Answer 1

Metals, because of the low number (1 or 2) of valence electrons that they have.

Electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are free to move around are known as valence electrons, and it is because of these "free electrons" that metals are able to conduct an electric current. The movement of electrically charged particles is what causes electrical conductivity in metals.

Metals with a single freely moving valence electron that strongly repels other electrons are the best conductors of electricity. The most conductive metals, such as copper, silver, and gold, each have a single freely moving valence electron that strongly repels other electrons.

According to https://tutor.hix.ai semi-conductor metals and non-metals are inefficient or ineffective at electrical conductance because they have a higher number of valence electrons—typically four or more.

See https://tutor.hix.ai for a table of common compounds and their conductivities.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer 2

Because of their high density of free electrons that are easily able to move throughout the material, metals are better conductors of electric current than nonmetals. In contrast, nonmetals typically have fewer free electrons and are not as good conductors of electricity.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Not the question you need?

Drag image here or click to upload

Or press Ctrl + V to paste
Answer Background
HIX Tutor
Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI
  • 98% accuracy study help
  • Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
  • Step-by-step, in-depth guides
  • Readily available 24/7