Which of the following best explains why nonmetals are typically electrical insulators?

• A. Nonmetals have metallic bonding that allows electron mobility.
• B. Nonmetals have tightly bound valence electrons that do not move freely.
• C. Nonmetals easily lose electrons to form positive ions.
• D. Nonmetals have a high density of free electrons.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrical conductivity depends on the ability of electrons to move freely through a material.
2. Recall that metals have metallic bonding, where valence electrons are delocalized and can move freely, allowing electrical conductivity.
3. Recognize that nonmetals typically have covalent or ionic bonding, where valence electrons are localized and tightly bound to atoms, restricting their movement.
4. Analyze the options: nonmetals do not have metallic bonding, do not have a high density of free electrons, and do not easily lose electrons to form positive ions under normal conditions.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that nonmetals have tightly bound valence electrons that do not move freely, making them electrical insulators.