What can be inferred about materials with 1 or 2 valence electrons?

Materials with 1 or 2 valence electrons are typically conductors because they have a tendency to lose these electrons relatively easily, leading to the formation of positive ions. This characteristic is especially prevalent in metals, such as copper and aluminum, which are commonly used in electrical applications due to their efficient conductivity.

The presence of a small number of valence electrons means that these materials have a lower ionization energy, allowing electrons to move freely. When an external electric field is applied, these free electrons can flow, allowing the material to conduct electricity.

Understanding the properties of materials based on their electron configuration is crucial in fields like electrical engineering and materials science, as it influences their applications for insulating, conducting, or semi-conducting purposes. Other materials that either do not easily lose electrons or have filled valence shells would not exhibit this level of conductivity.