5. Explain that metals are good conductors of electricity with the help of an activity.

Activity: Testing the Conductivity of Metals

Materials Needed:

1. Various metal objects (e.g., copper wire, aluminum foil, iron nail)
2. Battery (low voltage)
3. Light bulb or LED
4. Connecting wires
5. Alligator clips (optional)

Procedure:

1. Set Up the Circuit:

   • Connect one end of the wire to the positive terminal of the battery.
   • Connect the other end of the wire to one terminal of the light bulb or LED.
   • Connect a second wire from the other terminal of the light bulb or LED to the negative terminal of the battery to complete the circuit.

2. Testing the Conductivity:

   • Start with a metal object known to be a good conductor, such as a copper wire. Touch one end of the wire to the free terminal of the light bulb or LED.
   • Observe whether the light bulb or LED lights up when the wire touches the terminal. If it does, it indicates that the metal is conducting electricity.
   • Repeat this process with other metal objects, such as aluminum foil, iron nails, or any other metals you have available.
   • Compare the results. Notice which metals allow the bulb to light up and which do not.

Explanation:

• Metals conduct electricity well due to the presence of free electrons in their atomic structure. These free electrons are not bound to any particular atom and are free to move throughout the metal.
• When a metal object is connected to a circuit with a power source (such as a battery), the free electrons within the metal can move in response to the electric field created by the voltage.
• As the electrons move, they carry electrical charge and create an electric current. This flow of electrons is what powers the light bulb or LED in the circuit, causing it to light up.
• Metals like copper, aluminum, and iron are excellent conductors because they have a high density of free electrons, allowing electricity to flow easily through them.
• In contrast, non-metals generally do not conduct electricity well because they lack free electrons or have a much lower density of them.

By conducting this activity, participants can observe firsthand how different metals behave when connected to an electric circuit and understand why metals are good conductors of electricity.