which is a better conductor of electricity, metal or water?
Electrical conductivity in metals is a result of the movement of electrically charged particles. This article provides an overview. Electrical conductivity in metals is a result of the movement of electrically charged particles. The atoms of metal elements are characterized by the presence of valence electrons - electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are free to move about. It is these 'free electrons' that allow metals to conduct an electric current.