Question

which lists the elements in order from least conductive to most conductive?
nitrogen (n), antimony (sb), bismuth (bi)
nitrogen (n), bismuth (bi), antimony (sb)
antimony (sb), nitrogen (n), bismuth (bi)
bismuth (bi), antimony (sb), nitrogen (n)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall conductivity trends

Metalloids and non - metals: Nitrogen (N) is a non - metal, has very low electrical conductivity. Antimony (Sb) and Bismuth (Bi) are metalloids and metals respectively. Metalloids have intermediate conductivity, metals have relatively high conductivity. Among Sb and Bi, Bi is a metal and has higher conductivity than Sb (a metalloid).

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: Nitrogen (N, non - metal, least conductive) → Antimony (Sb, metalloid, intermediate) → Bismuth (Bi, metal, most conductive). This follows the order of least to most conductive.
• Option 2: Bismuth (Bi) is more conductive than Antimony (Sb), so this order is wrong.
• Option 3: Nitrogen (N) is less conductive than Antimony (Sb), so this order is wrong.
• Option 4: Nitrogen (N) is the least conductive, and this order is reversed, so it's wrong.

Answer:

nitrogen (N), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi)