Question

As an atom grows in size, its electrical conductivity generally increases. Which of the following explains this phenomenon?

a) Increase in electron density
b) Decrease in atomic mass
c) Increase in resistivity
d) Decrease in energy levels

Answer 1

As an atom grows in size, its electrical conductivity generally increases due to an increase in electron density.

Step-by-step explanation:

As an atom grows in size, its electrical conductivity generally increases due to an increase in electron density. When an atom grows in size, it gains more electrons in the outer energy levels, which are more easily removed from the nucleus and can carry electric current more effectively. This phenomenon is observed in metallic character as well, where larger atoms are better conductors as they have more free electrons available for conduction.