Question

Why are metals good conductors of electricity whereas glass is a bad conductor of electricity? Give reason.

Answer 1

Good and bad conductors of electricity:

1. Good conductors include elements that allow electricity to move freely through them.
2. Bad conductors comprise substances that do not eventually enable electricity to travel through themselves.
3. The metal's electrons are loosely bound, but the glass' electrons are securely bound.
4. The heat conduction coefficient of glass is one of the lowest of any substance. Low electrical resistance and good electrical conductivity are synonymous. Because its electrons are freer to move than those of the other elements, silver is the finest conductor.
5. Ions begin to migrate from one end of the metal to the other when electricity is given to it, but electrons cannot travel freely in the closely bonded glass.

Therefore, due to its high resistivity and lack of free electrons, glass is a poor electrical conductor.