* Free Electrons: Metals have a unique atomic structure where some of their electrons are not tightly bound to individual atoms. These electrons are free to move around within the metal, creating a "sea" of mobile charge carriers.
* Electric Current: When a voltage difference is applied across a metal, these free electrons can flow readily from the higher voltage point to the lower voltage point. This flow of charge is what we call electric current.
* Heat Conduction: The free electrons in a metal are also responsible for its ability to conduct heat. When one end of the metal is heated, the free electrons absorb energy and move faster, transferring that energy to other electrons and atoms further down the metal. This process leads to the entire metal becoming heated.
In summary: The presence of free electrons in metals allows them to easily conduct both electricity and heat, making a metal spoon an excellent conductor.