Atomic Structure

• Atoms are the building blocks for every material in existence. Atoms are miniscule particles made up of nuclei, protons, neutrons, and electrons, according to the California Energy Commission. Electrons exist outside of the nucleus whereas protons and neutrons appear on the inside. An atom's structure is held together by the positive and negative charges contained inside it. Neutrons hold a neutral charge, protons a positive charge, and electrons a negative charge. This being so, stable atoms will have the same number of protons and electrons. Each element has a different atomic structure, which is why some elements conduct electricity better than others.
  
  

Ions

• Atoms that have an uneven number of protons and electrons are called ions and have an unstable--or destabilized--atomic structure, according to the California Energy Commission. Ions can carry a negative or positive charge depending on whether an electron is missing or an extra electron is present. Certain materials like metals have a high electrical conductivity potential because of how their electrons behave. Whereas some atomic elements hold tightly to their surrounding electrons, metals have a looser hold. This loose hold means another nearby material, force, or energy can take these loose electrons away from its nucleus.
  
  

Function

• Electrical conductivity occurs when a series of electrons are pulled from their respective atoms and made to flow in a current, according to the California Energy Commission. When this happens, electrons are being passed from one atom to another. As each atom loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion that naturally seeks out another electron to balance its structure. Free-floating electrons are in a sense pulled along by the ionic charge present inside the material. A similar set of conditions is created when electricity travels along a wire or through a circuit.
  
  

Electron Effects

• The natural behaviors of electrons make it possible to conduct electric currents in different ways, according to the California Energy Commission. By manipulating the amount of charge generated within a material, different intensities of current are produced. Magnetic energy is one of the ways electrons are made to move along a wire. Magnetic energy can cause electrons to break away from their respective atoms if the force is strong enough. Once electrons break free, they begin to agitate other nearby electrons. When wire is used as a conducting material, free electrons can be made to run along the wire and create an electric current.
  
  

Resistance

• Electrical conductivity can be regulated by the amount of resistance present in the conducting material, according to Boston University The atoms contained inside materials such as rubber, wood, and cloth hold their electrons tightly, making it more difficult to create an electric current. In the same sense, certain metals may be used within a particular device in order to better regulate the amount of current that flows. Insulating devices are made out of less conductive materials for this very reason.