Why can metals conduct electricty?

This is because of the special type of bonding that occurs in metals. A metal is a giant structure of regularly arranged atoms, the outermost electrons ( check they understand the differences between the subatomic particles) of these atoms is free to move about the entire structure, it is delocalised. Electricity can also be described as the flow of charge, which means it needs freely moving charged particles in order to be conducted. In a metal these free charged particles are the delocalised negatively charged electrons.

AE
Answered by Alicia E. Chemistry tutor

2301 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

a) Give a balanced equation for the complete combustion of butane, b) Explain how this would change if there was insufficient oxygen present, and explain the problems this causes


List the first 4 halogens as they appear in the periodic table as they appear. What does your answer suggest about their relative reactivity?


Define an exothermic reaction.


What effect will increased temperature have on an equilibrium with a forward reaction which is exothermic?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning