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Chapter 37: Problem 9

Would you expect solid hydrogen to conduct electricity? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Under normal situations, solid hydrogen would not be expected to conduct electricity, because it does not have freely moving electrons as in metals. However, under extreme pressure conditions, there are theoretical predictions that it could become metallic and therefore possibly conductive.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity in solids is predominantly due to free flowing electrons. Materials that allow these electrons to move freely, such as metals, are good conductors of electricity.
02

Know the Nature of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. At room temperature and pressure, it's a gas and it's non-metallic. This does not conduct electricity because it lacks free electrons.
03

Understand Solid Hydrogen

When hydrogen is solidified, it does so under extreme pressure conditions that makes it take a different structure. In these conditions, there are theories that suggest hydrogen could become metallic and therefore potentially conductive. However, these are still just theories and solid metallic hydrogen is yet to be produced and tested conclusively.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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