Based on its location on the periodic table, which element is the best

electrical conductor?

A. Neon (Ne)

B. Oxygen (O)

C. Magnesium (Mg)

D. Chlorine (CI)

C. Magnesium (Mg)

Explanation:

We wish to find the best electrical conductor among the given elements. Electrical conductivity of an element is high when current passes freely through it, i. e electrons flow freely in the element. This is possible only when the element has intrinsic free electrons in it's outer shell.

Neon is in the Noble gases and hence it's outer shell is complete. There are no free electrons and hence Neon is electrically insulating.

Oxygen and Chlorine are on the right side of the periodic table, with their outer most shells 2 and 1 electrons short of octet. Hence the electrons are not free but are tightly bound to the nucleus. Hence they are not good conductors.

Magnesium is a Alkali-Earth metal. It has 2 electrons in excess of octet. These 2 electrons are free electrons. Hence, Magnesium is the best electrical conductor among the given options.

Answer: Chlorine (CL)