Wiktor Wise
Metals are generally good conductors of electricity, but there are some metals that are poorer conductors than others. The number of valence electrons in an atom is what makes a material able to conduct electricity. The outer shell of the atom is the valence. In most cases, conductors have one, two, or sometimes three valence electrons. For example, copper, gold, platinum, and silver all have one valence electron. Iron has two valence electrons, and aluminum has three. However, some metals have a higher resistance to conducting electricity. Zinc, for instance, is a moderately good conductor of electricity, while lead is a poor conductor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Poor Conductors of Electricity | Zinc |
| Aluminum | |
| Tungsten | |
| Iron | |
| Best Conductor | Silver |
| Second Best Conductor | Copper |
| Moderate Conductor | Tin |
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Zinc
Metals with one valence electron, such as copper, gold, platinum, and silver, are typically good conductors. However, zinc, with its unique crystal structure and free valence electrons, exhibits moderate electrical conductivity.
While zinc is not as conductive as some other metals, it is still considered a conductor rather than an insulator. This is because most metals conduct electricity to a certain extent due to the presence of metallic bonds, which allow electrons to move freely among the ions.
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Aluminium
Despite these drawbacks, aluminium has been increasingly used as a conductor for utility grids since World War II. This is due to its excellent conductivity-to-weight ratio and low cost. An aluminium conductor weighs half as much as an equivalent copper conductor, making aluminium the preferred material for transmission and distribution conductors. It is often used in electric busbars, which distribute electric power to different circuits inside a building.
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Tungsten
The ability of a material to conduct electricity is dependent on the presence of free or unpaired electrons. These electrons move throughout the crystal structure of solids, allowing for the conduction of electricity. In liquids, compounds that can easily dissociate into cations and anions can conduct electricity.
Due to its high melting point and heat resistivity, tungsten is used as the filament in light bulbs. Despite being a poor conductor at low temperatures, tungsten's ability to conduct electricity at high temperatures makes it suitable for this application.
In conclusion, tungsten is a metal that exhibits poor electrical conductivity due to its high melting point, strong Vander Waals forces, and high resistivity. However, it can conduct electricity at elevated temperatures, making it useful in specific applications such as light bulb filaments.
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Iron
However, the presence of impurities or other elements can affect iron's conductivity. For example, grey cast iron, which contains iron carbide (Fe and C), obstructs the movement of valence electrons, resulting in poorer electrical conductivity. Similarly, iron oxides, such as Fe2O3 (rust) and Fe3O4, have poor electrical conductivity due to the presence of ionic bonds that restrict the free motion of electrons.
In its pure form (Fe), iron exhibits excellent electrical conductivity because its valence electrons are not bound and can move freely between atoms. This free electronic motion is the fundamental reason why iron is considered a conductive material. Iron's electrical conductivity is comparable to its high heat conductivity, which is utilized in cooking utensils.
It is important to note that while iron itself is a good conductor, some alloys and oxides of iron, such as Fe3O4 and certain steels, are insulators. These iron compounds do not possess the same conductive properties as pure iron due to the presence of ionic bonds or other factors that hinder the free movement of electrons.
In conclusion, iron (Fe) is a good conductor of electricity due to its metallic bonding and the delocalization of its valence electrons. However, the presence of impurities or the formation of certain compounds can affect its conductivity, with some iron alloys and oxides exhibiting insulating behaviour. Understanding the conductivity of iron is crucial for its safe and effective utilization in various applications, especially in projects involving wiring and electrical circuits.
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Lead
Pure lead is a metal that conducts electricity, but it is a poor insulator. Lead's resistivity is 22 billionths of a metre. It is used in electrical contacts because it is a relatively soft metal that deforms easily when tightened, making a solid connection. For instance, connectors for car batteries are typically made of lead. A car's starter motor draws over 100 amperes of current briefly, requiring a robust connection to the battery.
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Frequently asked questions
Lead is a poor conductor of electricity compared to copper, silver, and tin.
Metals are generally good conductors of electricity, but some metals that are poor conductors include zinc, aluminum, tungsten, and iron.
Metals with fewer free or unpaired electrons in their valence shells are poor conductors of electricity.
Metals are good conductors of electricity, whereas non-metals are generally poor conductors.
