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Electrons 'jump' from one atom to another. The electron configuration of the atoms determine how easy it is for an electron to move from one atom to another, which is a factor in determining conductivity of the substance.
Actually in atoms in the solid state, electrons occupy one of 2 quantum energy bands: the valence band or the conduction band. Valence band electrons are tightly bound to the atom, but conduction band electrons are not bound to the atom and can roam freely through the material.
- insulators have very few if any conduction band electrons and thus cannot conduct
- conductors have so many conduction band electrons that they form what is called an electron gas that fills all of the material and can flow freely, there is no"'jumping' from one atom to another" at all
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoThat depends on the "electronic structure" of the material.
In metals the "electronic structure" is a conduction band electron "gas" that fills the material and can flow freely.
In insulators the "electronic structure" is tightly bonded valence band electrons that cannot leave the atoms/molecules they are part of.
In semiconductors the "electronic structure" consists of conduction band electrons and valence band "holes", both of which can move through the material but not as easily as the electron "gas" in metals can.
etc.
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Is glass insulator or conductor?
Glass is an insulator, as it DOES NOT conduct current. It is a material which has no free electrons available to flow as electrical current. Conductors, like copper or aluminum, have free electrons, or electrons in the outer shells of their atoms that are easily knocked loose. These electrons flow from negative to positive when an electrical potential (voltage) is applied across the material. We call the flow of electrons "current".
What are materials that allow charges to flow through then easily called?
electric conductor They are called conductors of electricity. Electricity is the flow of charge. Solid conductors contain free electrons that carry the charge. Liquid conductors contain ions that carry the charge.
If it is difficult for electricity to flow through a component the component has a high what?
Resistance.
How do electron flow in an electric circuit in terms of voltage difference?
Electrons are negatively charged particles. When a voltage difference exists, electrons are repelled from the more negative (or less positive) voltage toward the more positive voltage. If they are in a material which allows conduction of electricity, then the electrons will flow toward the more positive voltage.
How does conductors allow heat to go through?
Heat energy can be transfered through a conductor or medium, in three ways. Radiation, which is how the sun transfers energy, through waves. Convection, which is how wind works, the transfer of heat by mixing particles together. Conduction, which is how your hand warms up when someone touches it. The particles transfer their heat energy to adjacent particles.
What material is most difficult for electrons to flow through?
glass
Which material is it most difficult for electrons to flow through?
glass
What is the measurement of how difficult it is for electrons to flow through a material?
Resistance.
Electrons do not readily flow through what material?
The material that electrons do not readily flow through in the electrical trade is classed an an insulator.
The measure of how difficult it is for electrons to flow through a circuit is called what?
The measure of how difficult it is for electrons to flow through a circuit is called resistance.Another AnswerResistance is not a measure of 'how difficult' it is for electrons to flow through a circuit. It is more accurate to describe it as a measure of whether a material can supportcurrent flow.For example, it's incorrect to say that an insulator 'blocks' current flow. It's more accurate to say that it has an insufficient amount of charge carriers to support an electric current.
What is a material that allows electrons to flow easily through it?
Anything that is classified as a conductor will allow the flow of electrons.
The measure of how difficult it is for electrons to flow through materials?
resistance
What is the flow of electrons through a material called?
Electricity".insulatorInsulatorinsulatorCurrent
What do you call a material that electrons will flow through freely?
conductor
What is a material through which electrons do not easily flow?
insulator
What is the ability of a material to oppose the movement of electrons through it?
A material that has a high resistance to the flow of electrons is an insulator.
What is a material that does not let electrons travel through it?
Generally speaking, a material that does not let electrons travel through it, a material that has a very high resistance to electron flow (electric current), is called an insulator.
