Metallic Conduction
What is Metallic Conduction?
Metallic conduction is the flow of electric current through metals by the movement of delocalized (free) electrons through the metallic lattice. Unlike electrolytic conduction, no chemical change occurs during metallic conduction and the conductivity decreases with increasing temperature (as increased thermal vibration of lattice ions impedes electron flow). Metals are among the best electrical conductors because of the high density of free electrons in their conduction band.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Metallic conduction is the flow of electric current through metals by the movement of delocalized (free) electrons through the metallic lattice. Unlike electrolytic conduction, no chemical change occurs during metallic conduction and the conductivity decreases with increasing temperature (as increased thermal vibration of lattice ions impedes electron flow). Metals are among the best electrical conductors because of the high density of free electrons in their conduction band.