A poor conductor is a material that does not easily allow the flow of electrical current or heat through it. In other words, it resists the transfer of energy. The ability of a material to conduct electricity or heat is determined by its physical properties, including its atomic structure and the mobility of its electrons.
Here are some examples of poor conductors:
1. **Wood**: Wood is a poor conductor of both heat and electricity. Its structure is made up of complex organic molecules that do not have free electrons to carry an electric current, and its low thermal conductivity means it does not transfer heat efficiently.
2. **Rubber**: Rubber, often used in insulating materials, is a poor conductor of electricity. This is because it has very few free electrons and its molecular structure inhibits the flow of electrical current. It also has low thermal conductivity, making it a poor conductor of heat.
3. **Glass**: Glass is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Its atomic structure does not allow for free movement of electrons, which means it does not conduct electricity. Additionally, glass has low thermal conductivity, so it doesn't transfer heat well.
4. **Plastic**: Plastics are generally poor conductors of electricity. This is because they are made from long-chain polymers that do not have free-moving electrons. Many plastics are also poor conductors of heat, though some can be engineered to have specific thermal properties.
These materials are often used in applications where insulation from electricity or heat is required. For instance, rubber is used in electrical cables to prevent shocks, and plastic and glass are used in various insulative applications.