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Q133
(NDA-I/2024)
Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Official Key
Which one of the following is primarily responsible for conduction of current in a metal ?
Explanation
In metallic conductors, the atoms are arranged in a crystal lattice where the outermost valence electrons are loosely held by the nucleus. These electrons break away from their parent atoms and are known as free electrons.
- Mechanism: These free electrons move randomly within the metal. When an external electric field or potential difference is applied, they drift in a specific direction, resulting in the flow of electric current.
- Bound Electrons: These are electrons in the inner shells that remain tightly attached to the nucleus and do not contribute to electrical conductivity.
- Ions: While ions are charge carriers in electrolytes and plasmas, in solid metals, the positive ions are fixed in their lattice positions and do not move to conduct current.
Thus, the presence of a large number of free electrons is primarily responsible for the high electrical conductivity of metals.
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