What features of the structure of metals explain their electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, metallic luster?
August 20, 2020 | Education
| High electrical conductivity is due to the presence of mobile electrons, which, under the action of an electric field, acquire directional motion. Thermal conductivity is also explained by the high mobility of electrons, which collide with atoms and metal ions vibrating in the lattice sites, exchange energy with them.With an increase in temperature, these vibrations are transferred to other ions with the help of electrons, and the temperature of the metal quickly levels out.
Metals shine because they reflect light rays from their surface, and do not transmit them, like glass, and do not absorb them like soot.
