International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

If an element does not conduct electricity, what type of element is it likely to be?

1. Metal

2. Carbon

3. Non-metal

4. Electron

The correct answer is: Non-metal

When an element does not conduct electricity, it is likely to be a non-metal. Non-metals are typically characterized by their lack of free-moving electrons, which limits their ability to conduct electricity. In contrast, metals are known for their excellent electrical conductivity due to the presence of free electrons that can move easily through the metal lattice. Carbon can exhibit different properties depending on its allotrope; for instance, graphite conducts electricity due to its structure, while diamond does not. Lastly, "electron" is not an element but rather a subatomic particle that contributes to various properties of elements, including electrical conductivity. Thus, non-metals stand out as the category of elements generally associated with poor conductivity.