What makes some metals conduct electricity better than others?

The key factor is how freely electrons can move through a material. Metals conduct electricity because they have a "sea" of loosely bound electrons that aren't tied to individual atoms and can flow freely when voltage is applied. Some metals conduct better because their atomic structure allows electrons to move with less resistance. Silver is the best conductor because its electron configuration and crystal structure create minimal interference with electron flow. Copper is nearly as good and far cheaper, which is why it dominates electrical wiring. Metals like tungsten or iron have more complex electron interactions and lattice vibrations that scatter electrons more frequently, increasing resistance. Temperature also matters, since higher temperatures cause atoms to vibrate more, disrupting electron flow and reducing conductivity.