what is a conductor and a insulator
Electricity can flow through conductors but not through insulators. In a conductor, charged particles (electrons and, in some cases, ions) can move about freely.
A conductor and an insulator are two types of materials that have distinct properties when it comes to the flow of electricity.
1. Conductor: A conductor is a material that allows electric current to flow through it easily. In other words, it has a high conductivity. Conductors typically have large numbers of free electrons that are loosely bound to their atoms, allowing them to move more freely. This movement of electrons is what constitutes electric current. Examples of common conductors include metals such as copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. These materials are commonly used in electrical wires.
2. Insulator: An insulator, on the other hand, is a material that restricts or blocks the flow of electric current. It has low conductivity. Insulators have very few free electrons available for conduction, as their atoms hold electrons tightly. This lack of electron mobility prevents the flow of electricity. Insulators are often used to provide electrical insulation and protect against electrical shocks and energy losses. Examples of insulators include rubber, plastic, glass, ceramic, and wood.
To identify a material as a conductor or an insulator, you can consider its electrical conductivity. Conductors exhibit good electrical conductivity, while insulators have poor conductivity. Conductivity is typically measured in units called siemens per meter (S/m) or ohm per meter (Ω/m). Researchers and scientists can perform experiments to measure the material's resistance to the flow of electric current, which can help determine whether it is a conductor or an insulator. Electrical conductivity can also be found in reference tables or databases that provide information about the electrical properties of various materials.