Which lists the elements in order from most conductive to least conductive?

potassium (K), selenium (Se), germanium (Ge)
germanium (Ge), potassium (K), selenium (Se)
selenium (Se), germanium (Ge), potassium (K)
potassium (K), germanium (Ge), selenium (Se)

1 answer

To determine the conductivity order of the elements listed (potassium, selenium, and germanium), we need to consider their positions in the periodic table and their general conductivity characteristics:

  1. Potassium (K): This is an alkali metal and is a very good conductor of electricity due to its free-moving outer electrons.

  2. Germanium (Ge): This is a metalloid and has moderate conductivity. It is a semiconductor, meaning its conductivity is between that of metals and insulators.

  3. Selenium (Se): This is a non-metal and generally not a good conductor compared to metals and metalloids. It has low conductivity compared to potassium and germanium.

Based on this information, the order from most conductive to least conductive is:

Potassium (K), Germanium (Ge), Selenium (Se).

Therefore, the correct option is:

potassium (K), germanium (Ge), selenium (Se).