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Because the atoms of a metal form a "regular" matrix through which their outer electrons can move freely.

The attraction between one atom's nucleus and a neighboring atom's electrons packs the atoms closely together. This close packing causes the outermost energy levels of the atoms to overlap. Therefore, electrons are free to move from atom to atom.

Metals as a group are pretty good conductors of electricity. Silver, copper, gold and aluminum top the list, but the reason metals conduct electricity can be explained in one of two ways. The fundamental reason that is often cited is that metals have a large number of free electrons that will support current flow. Apply a voltage, and the free electrons begin moving and current flow is almost instantaneous.

Another idea that might explain the issue is that for a given material, there is a minimum energy that electrons in that material must have to support current flow. This is the minimum energy of what is called the conduction band for that material. In metals, there already are a large number of electrons that are in the conduction band. The "natural" energy levels of electrons in metals overlap the energy level of the conduction band. Apply a voltage, and electrons in the overlap region will support current flow.

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