The science teacher gave each group in the science lab a pair of wires for an investigation on electrical current.Susan noticed that the wires were made of metal,but they were covered with plastic.The wires were covered in plastic because
A.plastic is a good conductor and allows electricity to flow through it easily
B.plastic is a good insulator and does not allow electritiy to flow through it easily
C.plastic prevents the metal wire from melting
D.plastic is less expensive than metal
B?
B. plastic is a good insulator and does not allow electricity to flow through it easily
The correct answer is B. Plastic is a good insulator and does not allow electricity to flow through it easily.
In electrical circuits, it is important to have a material that can control the flow of electricity. The purpose of using plastic to cover the metal wires is to prevent any unwanted electrical current from flowing through the wires, ensuring the current only travels along the intended path.
Plastic is considered an insulator because it has high resistance to the flow of electric current. It contains a tightly packed structure of molecules that do not contain free electrons, which are necessary for the flow of electricity. When the metal wires are covered in plastic, it acts as a barrier, preventing the electrons from flowing freely and thus inhibiting the flow of electricity.
This insulation property of plastic is crucial for maintaining the safety of the electrical circuit. It helps prevent short circuits, which can lead to overheating, electrical shocks, or even fires. Additionally, plastic is also non-conductive, meaning it does not transfer heat or react with the metal wire, thus preventing the wire from melting under normal operating conditions.
So, in summary, the plastic covering on the metal wires in the science lab is used because plastic is a good insulator, ensuring that the electrical current flows only through the desired path and preventing any accidents or damage.