Question

Which metals is the best conductors of electricity?

• A. Nickel
• B. Silver
• C. Gold
• D. Sodium

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Silver

Explanation for the correct option:

(B) Silver

• Pure silver is the finest conductor of electricity.
• Yet unsurprisingly, it is not one of the metals that are used to carry electricity most frequently.
• There are a few disadvantages to the widespread usage of pure silver.
• The skin effect, or the uneven distribution of current that may happen across high-frequency currents, is a problem since it first tends to tarnish with use.
• It is far more expensive than running aluminium or copper.

Explanation for the incorrect option:

(A) Nickel

• Because the valence electrons in metals are weakly bonded.
• They may freely flow through the substance, making metals excellent electrical conductors.
• A transition metal oxide, such as nickel oxide, is still an insulator despite having an outer electron shell that is only partly filled.

(C) Gold

• Although gold is recognized for its great conductivity, it is less employed because of its exorbitant cost.
• Gold wires for connections may be utilized in microchips.
• Very thin gold plating may be employed in applications that need excellent conductivity and great resistance to oxidation and corrosion.

(D) Sodium

• Since the electrons are packed in a closed pack arrangement in sodium chloride ionic solid crystals, the ions are not free to migrate.
• Ion mobility is required for the conduction of electricity.
• As a result, sodium chloride is an Insulator in the form of an ionic crystal.

Therefore, the correct option is (B) Silver.