Which statement is true of both metals and plasma?
Responses
A Both can have free protons.Both can have free protons.
B Both can conduct electricity.Both can conduct electricity.
C Both have irreducible nuclei.Both have irreducible nuclei.
D Both are electrically neutral.
B Both can conduct electricity.
To determine which statement is true of both metals and plasma, let's evaluate each response:
A. "Both can have free protons."
Metals, such as iron or copper, do not typically have free protons. Protons are tightly bound within the atomic nucleus of metals. Plasma, however, can have free protons. Plasma is a state of matter in which atoms are ionized, meaning they have gained or lost electrons, resulting in free positive particles like protons.
B. "Both can conduct electricity."
Both metals and plasma can conduct electricity. Metals are excellent conductors of electricity due to their delocalized electrons, which can move freely in the metal lattice. Plasma, being ionized, also contains charged particles that can carry an electric current.
C. "Both have irreducible nuclei."
This statement is not true for both metals and plasma. Metals possess reducible nuclei, meaning their atomic nuclei can undergo nuclear reactions and fission. Plasma does not have a distinct atomic nucleus as it consists of ionized particles.
D. "Both are electrically neutral."
This statement is not true for plasma. Plasma can have a net charge, meaning it can be positively or negatively charged, depending on the balance of positive and negative particles present. Metals, on the other hand, are typically electrically neutral.
Based on the explanations given above, the statement that is true of both metals and plasma is:
B. "Both can conduct electricity."