Which of the following elements is most likely to have a high thermal conductivity?

• A. Oxygen (O)
• B. Phosphorus (P)
• C. Sulfur (S)
• D. Copper (Cu)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat. In general, metals have high thermal conductivity because of the free movement of electrons that transfer heat efficiently.
2. Recognize that among the given elements, Oxygen (O), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S) are nonmetals, which typically have low thermal conductivity compared to metals.
3. Recall that Copper (Cu) is a metal known for its excellent thermal conductivity due to its metallic bonding and free electrons that facilitate heat transfer.
4. Compare the types of elements: nonmetals like O, P, and S have covalent or molecular structures that do not allow free electron movement, resulting in poor thermal conductivity, whereas metals like Cu have a lattice of positive ions surrounded by a sea of delocalized electrons that conduct heat well.
5. Conclude that Copper (Cu) is most likely to have a high thermal conductivity because it is a metal with free electrons that efficiently transfer thermal energy.