Metals as Conductors

Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 6.3.2

Metals as Conductors

Metals conduct heat and electricity well. This is because of the delocalised electrons that are around the layers of positive ions.

Electrical conductors

Electrical conductors

  • Metals are good conductors of electricity because their delocalised electrons can carry a charge through the structure.
  • The electrons move from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.
Heat conductors

Heat conductors

  • The same delocalised electrons can also carry heat energy through the structure.

Test yourself on Metals as Conductors

  • What types of energy do metals conduct well?

  • What types of energy do metals conduct well?

  • Which feature of the structure of metals makes them good conductors?

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