Which of the following elements is the best conductor of electricity? (LO 22.1)
(a) N (b) As
(c) P (d) Bi

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements given in the options: Nitrogen (N), Arsenic (As), Phosphorus (P), and Bismuth (Bi).
2. Recall that electrical conductivity in elements is typically associated with metals, as they have free electrons that can move easily.
3. Consider the position of each element in the periodic table. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Arsenic (As) are nonmetals or metalloids, while Bismuth (Bi) is a metal.
4. Understand that metals generally have higher electrical conductivity compared to nonmetals and metalloids.
5. Conclude that among the given options, Bismuth (Bi), being a metal, is the best conductor of electricity.

Key Concepts

Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a material to allow the flow of electric current. This property is influenced by the presence of free-moving charged particles, such as electrons in metals. In general, metals are good conductors due to their structure, which allows electrons to move freely, while nonmetals typically have lower conductivity.

Metallic vs. Nonmetallic Elements

Elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids based on their physical and chemical properties. Metals, such as bismuth (Bi), are generally good conductors of electricity and heat, while nonmetals, like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), are poor conductors. Understanding this classification helps in predicting the conductivity of different elements.

Periodic Trends in Conductivity

Periodic trends refer to the predictable patterns observed in the properties of elements across the periodic table. As you move from left to right, conductivity generally decreases among metals and increases among nonmetals. Additionally, elements in the same group often exhibit similar conductive properties, which can aid in determining the best conductor among a given set of elements.