How does atomic structure create insulators and conductors within matter?

1 Answer
Nov 9, 2015

it purely depends on the arrangement of electrons within the energy levels. different elements have different atomic structures making some insulators others conductors.

Explanation:

in the case of metals they have a metallic structure which means they have delocalised electrons which transmit electric charge. they are any group one or two elements. others like carbon have a covalent structure which means they use all their electrons in bonding making them good insulators since they can not transmit any electric charge.