Which of the following elements exhibits the greatest metallic character and is therefore the best conductor of electricity?

• A. Copper
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Oxygen
• D. Argon

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metallic character refers to how readily an element can lose electrons to form positive ions, which correlates with electrical conductivity.
2. Recall that metallic character increases as you move from right to left across a period in the periodic table and from top to bottom within a group.
3. Identify the positions of the given elements in the periodic table: Nitrogen and Oxygen are nonmetals in period 2, Argon is a noble gas in period 3, and Copper is a transition metal in period 4.
4. Recognize that metals, especially transition metals like Copper, have high electrical conductivity due to the presence of delocalized electrons that can move freely.
5. Conclude that among the given elements, Copper exhibits the greatest metallic character and is therefore the best conductor of electricity.