As a materials scientist with a focus on the properties of metals and their electrical conductivity, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question.

Metals are known for their ability to conduct electricity, and this property is not limited to their solid state. The electrical conductivity of metals is primarily due to the presence of free electrons that can move easily within the metal lattice. These free electrons are a result of the metallic bonding, where atoms in the metal share their valence electrons, creating a "sea" of electrons that can move freely.

When metals are in their liquid state, they still retain their metallic bonding, albeit with a different structure compared to the solid state. The atoms in the liquid metal are still closely packed, and the valence electrons are still shared among the atoms, allowing for the free movement of electrons. This is why metals like mercury, which is liquid at room temperature, can conduct electricity even in their liquid form.

However, the electrical conductivity of metals in the liquid state can be different from that in the solid state. The degree of conductivity can be influenced by several factors, including temperature, impurities, and the specific structure of the liquid metal. For instance, as the temperature increases, the atoms in the liquid metal move more vigorously, which can lead to increased resistance and a decrease in conductivity.

It's also important to note that not all metals are liquid at room temperature. Most metals require significant heat to reach their melting point and transition from a solid to a liquid state. Once melted, the electrical conductivity of these metals can be tested under controlled conditions to determine how it compares to their solid-state conductivity.

In contrast, covalent liquids such as water, alcohol, propanone, and hexane do not conduct electricity. This is because covalent bonding involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which does not allow for the free movement of electrons that is necessary for electrical conductivity. Even when these covalent substances are melted, they remain non-conductors because the nature of their bonding does not change.

In summary, metals can conduct electricity in their liquid state due to the presence of free electrons that result from metallic bonding. The conductivity can vary depending on the specific metal, its temperature, and other factors. In contrast, covalent liquids do not conduct electricity, regardless of their state of matter.

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At room temperature liquid mercury is a conductor. Other metals continue to conduct electricity when they are melted. Covalent liquids like water, alcohol, propanone, hexane and so on, are all non-conductors of electricity. Even solid covalent substances remain non-conductors when you melt them.read more >>