2.1.6

Conductors

Test yourself

Electrical Conductors and Insulators

Some materials conduct electricity and others do not.

Illustrative background for Electrical conductorsIllustrative background for Electrical conductors ?? "content

Electrical conductors

  • An electrical conductor is a material that allows electric currents (flow of electric charges) to pass through it.
  • All metals are electrical conductors.
Illustrative background for Electrical insulatorsIllustrative background for Electrical insulators ?? "content

Electrical insulators

  • An electrical insulator is a material that doesn’t allow electric currents (flow of electric charges) to pass through it.
  • Plastic and glass are electrical insulators.

Electrical Conductors - Electrons

The free electrons inside electrical conductors explain why they can conduct electricity.

Illustrative background for Electrical conductorsIllustrative background for Electrical conductors ?? "content

Electrical conductors

  • An electrical conductor has lots of charges that are free to move.
  • In a metal, the charges that are free to move are electrons.
  • The electric current through the metal is the flow of these free electrons.
Illustrative background for Electrical insulatorsIllustrative background for Electrical insulators ?? "content

Electrical insulators

  • An electrical insulator has no free electrons.
  • No charges are free to move and carry a current.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson