Explain the conduction of electricity in metals and non-metals.

(N/A) The conduction of electricity in conductors is due to the movement of electrons or ions. Conductors are classified into metallic conductors and electrolytic conductors.
- Metals conduct electricity in both solid and molten states. The conductivity of metals depends on the number of valence electrons available per atom.
- The atomic orbitals of metal atoms form molecular orbitals,which are so close in energy that they form bands.
- If these bands are partially filled or overlap with a higher energy unoccupied conduction band,electrons can flow easily under an electric field,and the metal shows conductivity.
- If the gap between the filled valence band and the next higher unoccupied band (conduction band) is large,electrons cannot jump into it. Such substances have very low conductivity and behave as insulators.