Question

Use the periodic table to answer the question.

Periodic table with color-coded element groups and physical states; includes metals, nonmetals, metalloids—used to identify best thermal conductor among elements.

Based on properties of elements in the periodic table, which element is the best conductor of thermal energy?

(1 point)
Responses

polonium (Po
)
polonium ( P o )

germanium (Ge
)
germanium ( G e )

argon (Ar
)
argon ( A r )

vanadium (V
)
vanadium ( v )

Answer 1

Vanadium (V)

Reason: Metals conduct heat well because of their free electrons. Of the choices, vanadium is a transition metal and the best thermal conductor; argon is a gas, germanium is a metalloid/semiconductor, and polonium is not as good a conductor.