Question

which element is most likely to allow electricity to pass through it?

helium
sulfur
copper
carbon

Explanation:

Identify the property of electrical conductivity

The question asks which element is most likely to allow electricity to pass through it, which is the definition of electrical conductivity.

Classify the given elements as metals or nonmetals

Metals are excellent conductors of electricity, whereas nonmetals are generally poor conductors (insulators).

• Helium is a noble gas (nonmetal).
• Sulfur is a reactive nonmetal.
• Copper is a transition metal.
• Carbon is a nonmetal.

Determine the best electrical conductor

Since copper is a metal, it contains free-moving delocalized electrons that easily carry an electrical charge, making it highly conductive compared to the nonmetals helium, sulfur, and carbon.

Answer:

• helium
• sulfur
• copper (Correct answer)
• carbon