Why is metal a good conductor and insulator?

Answer 1

On the atomic level, conduction occurs when electrons from individual atoms leave their valence shells to join a shared conduction shell, or band. This conduction band is the main region of electron flow involved in conduction. Metals are known to have a relatively small gap between their conduction and valence bands, meaning that less excitational energy is needed to bump an electron into conduction. This is a characteristic of an electrical conductor. Nonmetals have larger conductivity gaps, requiring more energy. This makes them insulators, and resistant to electron flow.

Answer 2

Metal is a good conductor because it has a high density of free electrons that can flow easily and carry electrical charge. Insulators, on the other hand, have a high resistance to the flow of electrons, preventing them from conducting electricity. Metal's properties make it a good conductor, while insulators have properties that make them poor conductors.

Answer 3

Metals are generally not good insulators because the highly mobile "sea" of loosely bound electrons makes them electrically and thermally conductive.

Answer 4

No. Most metals are good conductors of electricity and are not insulators.

Answer 5

Metal is a conductor of electricity, so it is a bad insulator. Insulators 'neglect' electric energy, therefore they do not conduct it.