What objects rarely conduct electricity?

Answer 1

We know that in, general, metals and superconductors, as well as plasmas and ionic solutions conduct electricity.

Of the metals, silver conducts electricity the best, although it is relatively expensive. Copper is very commonly used because it is the second most conductive metal. We know that Group 1 and Group 2 metals (the alkali and alkaline earth metals) from the Periodic Table are good conductors. Other metals and metal alloys will also conduct, such as gold, aluminum, tungsten, brass, lead, bronze, iron ferrite, meteorite, tin, steel, iron, titanium, etc. Aluminum is also often used because it is highly conductive, and it much lighter than the other highly conductive metals.

At very low temperatures (meaning the temperature of liquid nitrogen), superconductors are by far the best conductors available. These are far superior to any known metal, but, they do not conduct at anything close to room temperature. Some superconductors have zero resistance, and so there are absolutely no current or power losses as electrons move through the material.

The general idea is that any material with free electrons will be a conductor. The more free electrons, the better the conductor will be. We also know that ionic solutions will conduct electricity. Salt water is an example of this. It should be noted that these materials include those in the solid, liquid and gas phases. As a plasma (an ionized material), electrons are suddenly made available to support conduction because of the fact that electrons have been torn from their orbits to ionize the material in the plasma. There will be a few more minor inclusions, and you can find more information by using the links.

Answer 2

Many metals conduct electricity, as do electrolyte solutions or liquids.

Answer 3

Generally speaking, an insulator like wood, rubber, porcelain etc. don't conduct electricity.

Answer 4

Insulators