Question

Good conductors have many loosely bound ______.

• A. atoms
• B. protons
• C. electrons
• D. molecules

Answer 1

The correct option is C

electrons

Explanation for correct option:

C: Electrons

1. An object is said to be a good conductor of electricity if it can transfer the electrical energy from part of the conductor to another.
2. This electricity is conducted with the help of free electrons present inside a conductor.
3. When a potential difference is applied to a conductor on its two ends, the electrons start to move in a particular direction.
4. Hence, when the free electrons move inside a conductor, a current is produced.
5. Therefore, good conductors have many loosely bound electrons.

Explanation for incorrect option(s):

A: Atoms

1. Atoms are indivisible particles that interact with other atoms to make a molecule.
2. Therefore, an atom always remains fixed inside a molecule.
3. Atoms only vibrate about their respective mean position when energy is applied, but they cannot move freely throughout the material.
4. Hence, good conductors do not have many loosely bound atoms.

B: Protons

1. Protons are present inside the nucleus of an atom.
2. Protons and neutrons are tightly packed inside the nucleus of an atom.
3. Due to the strong nuclear forces, they cannot move freely throughout the material.
4. Hence, good conductors do not have many loosely bound protons.

D: Molecules

1. A number of molecules present in their respective fixed positions form a solid.
2. Therefore, molecules are not eligible to move freely inside a conductor.
3. Molecules only vibrate about their respective mean position when energy is applied, but they cannot move freely throughout the material.
4. Hence, good conductors do not have many loosely bound molecules.

Hence, option C is the correct option.