Conductivity
Electrical Conductivity measures a material's ability to conduct electricity. Generally METALS conduct better than NON-METALS. For an element to conduct electricity, it must have free electron to move around. Therefore, the larger the atom the weaker its attraction is to the nucleus, allowing it to be free and to conduct electricity. These atoms who "drift" away from the atom will most likely be "delocalized", (allowing the conduction of energy).
We can say that:
Elements with only one electron on their valence shell are the best conductor because this allows the freest flow of electrical current because the opposition of an atom of these elements from taking on or loosing electrons is low.
Therefore: Gold, Silver and Copper has the best conductivity because they all only have one electron in their valence shell.
We can say that:
- As you go down the group Electrical Conductivity increases due to the growing of the Atomic Radius
- But be aware that despite some elements being in the bottom of the group, non-metals are poor conductors.
Elements with only one electron on their valence shell are the best conductor because this allows the freest flow of electrical current because the opposition of an atom of these elements from taking on or loosing electrons is low.
Therefore: Gold, Silver and Copper has the best conductivity because they all only have one electron in their valence shell.