Insulators and Conductors

Electrical Circuits

• Wires are used to carry electricity in a simple electrical circuit, typically made from conductive materials like copper.

Conductive Materials

• Graphite is a non-metal material that can conduct electricity, offering conductivity along with the properties of carbon.

Electrical Conductors

• Conductors allow electricity to flow through them easily; common examples include metals like copper and aluminum.

Safety with Electricity and Water

• Electrical objects should not be used near water to prevent electric shocks, as water conducts electricity, increasing the risk of dangerous situations.

Electrical Insulators

• Examples of electrical insulators include rubber, plastic, and glass, which resist the flow of electricity, protecting users from electrical hazards.

Definition of Electrical Conductors

• Electrical conductors are materials that allow the flow of electrical current due to the availability of free-moving charged particles, usually electrons.

Definition of Electrical Insulators

• Electrical insulators are materials that hinder the flow of electrical current, often possessing tightly bound electrons that do not move freely.

Determinants of Electrical Conductivity

• Electrical conductivity is determined by a material's atomic structure and the presence of free electrons or charged particles available for current flow.

Best Conductors of Electricity

• Silver, copper, and gold are known to be the best conductors of electricity due to their high free electron density and low resistivity.

Conductivity of Organic Molecules

• Organic molecules are mostly insulators because they typically lack free electrons, relying instead on covalent bonding that restricts electrical flow.