Which term describes elements that are poor conductors of heat and electric current?

Which term describes elements that are poor conductors of heat and electric current?

• A. Metal
• B. Nonmetal
• C. Metalloid
• D. Alloy

Answer: (B)

Nonmetals are described as poor conductors of heat and electricity. Metals have free-moving electrons that carry energy, so they conduct well. Nonmetals, by contrast, hold onto their electrons more tightly and form covalent bonds, which makes energy transfer less efficient. So they act as insulators for both heat and electricity. Metalloids have intermediate conductivity, and alloys are mixtures whose conductivity can vary, so they aren’t the standard label for poor conductors. While some carbon forms like graphite can conduct electricity, the general term for elements that are poor conductors is nonmetal.

Nonmetals are described as poor conductors of heat and electricity. Metals have free-moving electrons that carry energy, so they conduct well. Nonmetals, by contrast, hold onto their electrons more tightly and form covalent bonds, which makes energy transfer less efficient. So they act as insulators for both heat and electricity. Metalloids have intermediate conductivity, and alloys are mixtures whose conductivity can vary, so they aren’t the standard label for poor conductors. While some carbon forms like graphite can conduct electricity, the general term for elements that are poor conductors is nonmetal.