Using what you know about conductors and insulators, explain why common electrical wire is constructed with a long threaded wire of copper surrounding by a plastic casing?
What I think: Because the wires conduct electricity it could shock you. so putting the plastic around it insulates the electricity. am I right o.0?
Copper is a good insulator, so the electricity can flow easily. The plastic is an insulator, so the electricity will not flow through it, therefore we can hold the wire.
I think you've said it very well.
Yes, you are correct! The purpose of using a plastic casing around the copper wire in common electrical wires is to provide insulation. Let's delve deeper into why this is necessary.
First, let's discuss conductors and insulators. Conductors are materials that allow electric charges to flow through them easily. Copper is an excellent example of a conductor because it has a high conductivity, meaning it readily carries electric current. Insulators, on the other hand, are materials that inhibit the flow of electric charges. Plastic is one such insulating material commonly used in electrical wires.
When electricity flows through a conductor, it follows the path of least resistance. If a person comes into contact with a live wire, which carries electric current, there is a risk of receiving an electric shock. To prevent this, the plastic casing around the copper wire provides insulation.
The plastic casing acts as a barrier between the live wire and any conductive materials, including our bodies. Since plastic is a poor conductor of electricity, it prevents the electric current from escaping and coming into contact with anything it shouldn't. This greatly reduces the risk of electric shock.
Furthermore, the plastic casing also helps protect the copper wire from damage, such as corrosion or physical wear. It prevents exposure to moisture, dust, and other environmental factors that could negatively affect the wire's performance and longevity.
Therefore, the combination of a copper conductor with a plastic casing in common electrical wires ensures both proper current flow and safety by effectively insulating the electrical charge from potential contact with conductive materials.