Question

Which statement is true regarding copper's ability to conduct electricity? Select one: A. Copper is a good conductor of electricity because its atoms have a loosely held electron in their outer shell that is able to move freely to other atoms. B. Copper is a poor conductor of electricity because its atoms are held in positions that cannot move. C. Copper is a good conductor of electricity because its atoms have electrons that are tightly bound to their shells and will resist movement. D. Copper is a poor conductor of electricity because it has a free electron in its outer shell that will flow to other copper atoms.

Answer 1

A.  Copper is a good conductor of electricity because its atoms have a loosely held electron in their outer shell that is able to move freely to other atoms.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (A) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Copper is a transition metal and its atomic number is 29. The electrons in its shell are distributed as 2, 8, 18, 1.

As there is only one electron in the outer most shell and as it is far away from the nucleus, therefore, it is a loosely held electron. Also being a metal, copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity.

Thus, we can conclude that out of the given options the statement copper is a good conductor of electricity because its atoms have a loosely held electron in their outer shell that is able to move freely to other atoms is true regarding copper's ability to conduct electricity.