Chemistry · States of Matter - Gases, Liquids and Solids
Work through this past-paper style MCQ, then read the full explanation. Practice more chemistry questions on mMCQ with adaptive practice and topic analytics.
In metals, why does electric conductivity decrease with the increase of temperature?
- A
Because electron movement decrease with the increase of temperature
- B
Because metal ions oscillations hinder electron movement
- C
Because electron direction changes at high temperature
- D
Because they pass heat current through collision of electrons
The correct option is B because metal ion oscillations hinder electron movement. As temperature increases, the vibrational motion of metal ions disrupts the movement of electrons, reducing electrical conductivity in metals.
This option is not accurate. In metals, as temperature increases, the movement of electrons actually increases due to greater thermal energy. This leads to higher electrical conductivity, not a decrease.
This option is closer to the correct explanation. As temperature increases, the metal ions in the lattice vibrate more vigorously, which can scatter or hinder the movement of electrons, thereby reducing electrical conductivity.
This option is not an accurate explanation for the decrease in electrical conductivity with increasing temperature in metals. The primary reason is related to the thermal vibrations of metal ions, not changes in electron direction.
This option is not a direct explanation for the decrease in electrical conductivity with increasing temperature. The decrease in electrical conductivity in metals with increasing temperature is primarily due to increased scattering of electrons by vibrating metal ions.
Tagged under Chemistry · States of Matter - Gases, Liquids and Solids · 2023