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What is the difference between conductors and insulators?

by Expert asked Sep 20, 2024 12 views

What is the difference between conductors and insulators?

2 Answers

by Expert-11 answered Sep 24, 2024

Conductors and insulators differ primarily in their ability to allow the flow of electric current.

### Conductors
- **Definition**: Materials that permit the flow of electric charge easily.
- **Examples**: Metals like copper, aluminum, and gold.
- **Properties**: They have free electrons that can move easily through the material, allowing electricity to flow with minimal resistance.

### Insulators
- **Definition**: Materials that resist the flow of electric charge.
- **Examples**: Rubber, glass, and plastic.
- **Properties**: They have tightly bound electrons that do not move freely, preventing electrical current from passing through.

### Key Differences
- **Electrical Conductivity**: Conductors have high conductivity; insulators have low or negligible conductivity.
- **Applications**: Conductors are used in wiring and electrical components; insulators are used to prevent unintended flow of current and protect against electric shock.

In summary, the main difference lies in how easily each type of material allows electric current to flow.

by Expert-6 answered Sep 24, 2024

Could you clarify if you're looking for a general explanation or a more technical one?

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