Question:medium
Which of the following is the correct order of conductivity (in \( \text{S m}^{-1} \))?
Which of the following is the correct order of conductivity (in \( \text{S m}^{-1} \))?
Show Hint
Silver has highest electrical conductivity.
Updated On: May 10, 2026
- \( Fe<Na<Cu<Ag \)
- \( Fe<Cu<Na<Ag \)
- \( Ag<Na<Cu<Fe \)
- \( Ag<Cu<Na<Fe \)
- \( Na<Fe<Cu<Ag \)
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding Electrical Conductivity in Metals:
Electrical conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current. In metals, this conductivity is due to the presence of delocalized electrons that are free to move throughout the metallic lattice. Factors affecting conductivity include the number of free electrons per unit volume, the mobility of these electrons, and scattering due to lattice vibrations (phonons) and impurities.
Step 2: Comparing the Conductivity of Given Metals:
This is a knowledge-based question that relies on known experimental values for electrical conductivity. The standard ranking for common metals at room temperature is as follows:
Silver (Ag): Highest electrical conductivity of any element.
Copper (Cu): Second highest, very close to silver, and widely used due to its lower cost.
Gold (Au): Third highest.
Aluminum (Al): Fourth highest.
The alkali metals like Sodium (Na) and transition metals like Iron (Fe) have lower conductivities compared to Cu and Ag. Comparing Na and Fe: Iron (\(\approx 1.0 \times 10^7\) S/m) has a significantly higher conductivity than Sodium (\(\approx 2.1 \times 10^7\) S/m). Wait, let's re-check the data. Standard values at 20\(^{\circ}\)C in S/m:
Silver (Ag): \(6.30 \times 10^7\)
Copper (Cu): \(5.96 \times 10^7\)
Iron (Fe): \(1.00 \times 10^7\)
Sodium (Na): \(2.10 \times 10^7\)
From this data, the order is Fe< Na< Cu< Ag. This matches option (A). Let's re-evaluate the initial reasoning. While Na is an alkali metal with only one valence electron, its larger atomic size and body-centered cubic structure result in higher electron mobility than in the more complex d-block element Iron. So, Sodium is a better conductor than Iron. Step 3: Evaluating the Options based on Correct Data:
The conductivities are approximately: Ag: 6.3 \(\times 10^7\) S/m Cu: 6.0 \(\times 10^7\) S/m Na: 2.1 \(\times 10^7\) S/m Fe: 1.0 \(\times 10^7\) S/m The correct increasing order is: Fe< Na< Cu< Ag.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct order of increasing conductivity is Fe< Na< Cu< Ag, which corresponds to option (A).
Electrical conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current. In metals, this conductivity is due to the presence of delocalized electrons that are free to move throughout the metallic lattice. Factors affecting conductivity include the number of free electrons per unit volume, the mobility of these electrons, and scattering due to lattice vibrations (phonons) and impurities.
Step 2: Comparing the Conductivity of Given Metals:
This is a knowledge-based question that relies on known experimental values for electrical conductivity. The standard ranking for common metals at room temperature is as follows:
Silver (Ag): Highest electrical conductivity of any element.
Copper (Cu): Second highest, very close to silver, and widely used due to its lower cost.
Gold (Au): Third highest.
Aluminum (Al): Fourth highest.
The alkali metals like Sodium (Na) and transition metals like Iron (Fe) have lower conductivities compared to Cu and Ag. Comparing Na and Fe: Iron (\(\approx 1.0 \times 10^7\) S/m) has a significantly higher conductivity than Sodium (\(\approx 2.1 \times 10^7\) S/m). Wait, let's re-check the data. Standard values at 20\(^{\circ}\)C in S/m:
Silver (Ag): \(6.30 \times 10^7\)
Copper (Cu): \(5.96 \times 10^7\)
Iron (Fe): \(1.00 \times 10^7\)
Sodium (Na): \(2.10 \times 10^7\)
From this data, the order is Fe< Na< Cu< Ag. This matches option (A). Let's re-evaluate the initial reasoning. While Na is an alkali metal with only one valence electron, its larger atomic size and body-centered cubic structure result in higher electron mobility than in the more complex d-block element Iron. So, Sodium is a better conductor than Iron. Step 3: Evaluating the Options based on Correct Data:
The conductivities are approximately: Ag: 6.3 \(\times 10^7\) S/m Cu: 6.0 \(\times 10^7\) S/m Na: 2.1 \(\times 10^7\) S/m Fe: 1.0 \(\times 10^7\) S/m The correct increasing order is: Fe< Na< Cu< Ag.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct order of increasing conductivity is Fe< Na< Cu< Ag, which corresponds to option (A).
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