Physical Science B Semester Exam

Question

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Question
How does the structure of atoms in a substance determine the substance’s conductivity?(1 point)
Responses

If an atom’s outer shell of electrons is loosely bound to the nucleus, the substance is a good conductor.
If an atom’s outer shell of electrons is loosely bound to the nucleus, the substance is a good conductor.

If an atom’s nucleus is positively charged, the substance is a good conductor.
If an atom’s nucleus is positively charged, the substance is a good conductor.

If an atom’s outer shell of electrons is tightly bound to the nucleus, the substance is a good conductor.
If an atom’s outer shell of electrons is tightly bound to the nucleus, the substance is a good conductor.

If an atom’s outer shell of electrons is positively charged, the substance is a good conductor.
If an atom’s outer shell of electrons is positively charged, the substance is a good conductor.
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Answer 1

The correct response to the question about how the structure of atoms in a substance determines the substance’s conductivity is:

If an atom’s outer shell of electrons is loosely bound to the nucleus, the substance is a good conductor.

In conductive materials, such as metals, the outer electrons are not tightly bound to their respective nuclei and can move freely throughout the material, allowing for the flow of electric current. This mobility of electrons is key to the conductivity of a substance.