In physics and electrical engineering, a conductor is a material which contains movable electric charges. In metallic conductors, such as copper or aluminum, the movable charged particles are electrons (see electrical conduction). Positive charges may also be mobile in the form of atoms in a lattice that are missing electrons (known as holes), or in the form of ions, such as in the electrolyte of a battery. Insulators are non-conducting materials with fewer mobile charges, which resist the flow of electric current.
All conductors contain electric charges which will move when an electric potential difference (measured in volts) is applied across separate points on the material. This flow of charge (measured in amperes) is what is meant by electric current. In most materials, the direct current is proportional to the voltage (as determined by Ohm's law), provided the temperature remains constant and the material remains in the same shape and state.
Most familiar conductors are metallic. Copper is the most common material used for electrical wiring. Silver is the best conductor, but is expensive. Because it does not corrode, gold is used for high-quality surface-to-surface contacts. However, there are also many non-metallic conductors, including graphite, solutions of salts, and all plasmas. There are even conductive polymers. See electrical conduction for more information on the physical mechanism for charge flow in materials.
Good conductors of electricity typically have metallic bonds. Metallic bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between metal atoms, allowing for the easy movement of electrons, which is key for conducting electricity. This shared "sea of electrons" allows the free flow of electric charge through the material.
One property that can be used to distinguish metallic from nonmetallic minerals is luster. Metallic minerals have a shiny, reflective surface due to their high metal content, whereas nonmetallic minerals have a dull, earthy, or glassy appearance.
Gold and copper are examples of metallic minerals. Metallic minerals are composed of metals in their elemental form or in a combined state. They are usually shiny, malleable, and good conductors of electricity.
NO!!! Diamonds are an allotrope of carbon. Each carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with four adjacent carbon atoms. The result is the ADAMANTINE structure ( Very similar to a pyramid).
The four types of non-metallic luster are vitreous (glassy), pearly, greasy, and dull. Vitreous luster is shiny like glass, pearly luster has a pearl-like sheen, greasy luster appears oily or slippery, and dull luster reflects very little light.
Four physical properties shared by the metallic elements are that they are ductile, malleable, have good thermal conductivity, and have a metallic luster. They are also good conductors of electricity.
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The resistance of pure metallic conductors increases with temperature, because the resistivity of these conductors increase with temperature.
Electrolytic conductors conduct electricity through the movement of ions in a solution, while metallic conductors conduct electricity through the movement of electrons in a solid material. Electrolytic conductors are typically liquids or solutions, while metallic conductors are solid materials with freely moving electrons.
Good conductors of electricity typically have metallic bonds. Metallic bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between metal atoms, allowing for the easy movement of electrons, which is key for conducting electricity. This shared "sea of electrons" allows the free flow of electric charge through the material.
It possesses metallic properties, and metals are conductors.
Any metallic object has the ability to conduct electricity.
Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. They have a metallic luster. All the metals are solids except Mercury.
Semimetals, also known as metalloids, have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They typically have a combination of metallic and non-metallic properties, making them good conductors of electricity but poor conductors of heat. Examples of semimetals include silicon and arsenic.
Conductors can be classified into three main types: metallic conductors, electrolytic conductors, and superconductors. Metallic conductors, such as copper and aluminum, allow electrons to flow freely due to their atomic structure. Electrolytic conductors, like saltwater, conduct electricity through the movement of ions in a solution. Superconductors exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields at very low temperatures, allowing for highly efficient current flow.
Non metallic sheathed cable is used as conductors in home wiring.See related links below.