Three categories of materials used in the electrical industry
1. Conductors: These are materials that have low resistance to the flow of electric current. Copper and aluminum are commonly used conductive materials in the electrical industry. They are used to carry electricity from power sources to various devices and components.
2. Insulators: These materials have high resistance to the flow of electric current. Insulators are used to prevent the leakage or loss of electric current and to provide electrical safety. Materials such as rubber, glass, ceramic, and certain plastics are commonly used as insulators in electrical applications.
3. Semiconductors: These materials have properties that lie between conductors and insulators. They can regulate the flow of electric current based on external factors such as voltage or temperature. Silicon and germanium are widely used semiconductors in the electrical industry, especially in electronic devices like transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits. These materials are crucial for the functioning of modern electronics.