answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

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.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

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

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

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

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

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

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is metal a good conductor and insulator?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp