Which statement about electric insulators is true
Charges within electric insulators do not readily move.
Electric charges move freely in electric insulators.
Electric insulators have a high flow of heat and electricity.
Electric insulators are the best heat conductors.
The statement "Charges within electric insulators do not readily move" is true.
Electric insulators, by definition, are materials that do not allow the easy flow of electric charges. Unlike conductors, such as metals, where electrons can move freely, insulators have tightly bound electrons that are not able to move along the material easily. This lack of mobility restricts the flow of electric charges within the insulator.
To determine the correct statement about electric insulators, we need to understand the properties of insulators and the behavior of electric charges within them.
Insulators, like rubber, wood, plastic, and glass, have high resistivity, meaning they do not conduct electricity as well as conductors. This property makes them effective in preventing the flow of electric current and confining charges within a region. Therefore, the statement "Charges within electric insulators do not readily move" is true.
In many cases, insulators also exhibit good heat resistance. They have a high thermal resistance, which means they are poor heat conductors. This property allows insulators to protect against heat and prevent the transfer of thermal energy, making them suitable for insulation purposes. However, it is important to note that not all insulators have a high flow of heat and electricity, as stated in the third option.
The fourth statement, "Electric insulators are the best heat conductors," is incorrect. This is because insulators are actually known for their poor heat conductivity, as mentioned earlier. Materials like metals (e.g., copper) are better heat conductors compared to insulators.
In summary, the statement that is true about electric insulators is: "Charges within electric insulators do not readily move."