Why do metals conduct electricity well?
They contain delocalised electrons that are free to move through the metal structure.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Chemistry — Foundation · 5.2.2.8
Revise AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Chemistry — Foundation specification point 5.2.2.8, Metals as conductors, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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Why do metals conduct electricity well?
They contain delocalised electrons that are free to move through the metal structure.
What do delocalised electrons do when a potential difference is applied across a metal?
They drift through the metal, carrying electrical charge.
What happens to the metal ions when an electric current flows through a metal?
They remain fixed in place.
How do delocalised electrons make metals good thermal conductors?
They gain energy in the heated region and move through the metal, quickly transferring energy to other particles through interactions.