# Explain why metals are good conductors of electricity, and why increasing the temperature of a metal wire increases its resistance.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 2.1 Conduction and resistance · Explain · 5 marks

> Metals are widely used as electrical conductors in wiring and circuits. The resistance of metal wires changes with temperature.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Metals contain free (delocalised) electrons
2. These free electrons can move through the metal and carry charge / current
3. At higher temperatures, the metal ions vibrate more (with greater amplitude)
4. The vibrating ions obstruct / collide more frequently with the free electrons
5. This makes it harder for electrons to flow, so resistance increases

## Key terms

- [conductor](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/conductor)
- [resistance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/resistance)
- [temperature](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/temperature)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-metals-are-good-conductors-b5fa5950) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.