Conductivity in a metal results from the metal atoms having

A) highly mobile electrons in the valence shell

B) high electronegativity

C) high ionization energy

D) highly mobile protons in the nucleus

Answer: A) highly mobile electrons in the valence shell

Explanation: conductivity in metals is a result of the movement of electrically charged particles-the electrons. These free electrons also known as valence electrons are free to move, and as a result they can travel through the lattice that forms the physical structure of a metal. The presence of valence electrons determines a metal's conductivity. However, several other factors can affect the conductivity of a metal such as impurities, temperature, magnetic fields etc.