Gold and silver are good conductors of electricity because their outer orbits have?

Gold and silver are good conductors of electricity primarily due to the distribution of electrons in their outermost energy levels, also known as valence shells. In metals like gold and silver, the outer orbits contain a single electron that is loosely bound to the nucleus.

This single electron can move freely throughout the metal lattice, allowing for easy conduction of electric current. When an electric field is applied, these free-flowing electrons can accelerate and carry charge, which results in efficient electrical conductivity. This characteristic is typical of metals, as they have a unique ability to delocalize their outer electrons, facilitating the flow of electricity.

In contrast, other options relate to either full outer shells or unnecessary additional electrons that would not promote electron mobility necessary for conduction. Therefore, a single electron in the outermost orbit is what makes gold and silver particularly effective conductors of electricity.