answersLogoWhite

0

In physics and electrical engineering, a conductor is a material which contains movable electric charges. In metallic conductors, such as copper or aluminum, the movable charged particles are electrons (see electrical conduction). Positive charges may also be mobile in the form of atoms in a lattice that are missing electrons (known as holes), or in the form of ions, such as in the electrolyte of a battery. Insulators are non-conducting materials with fewer mobile charges, which resist the flow of electric current.

All conductors contain electric charges which will move when an electric potential difference (measured in volts) is applied across separate points on the material. This flow of charge (measured in amperes) is what is meant by electric current. In most materials, the direct current is proportional to the voltage (as determined by Ohm's law), provided the temperature remains constant and the material remains in the same shape and state.

Most familiar conductors are metallic. Copper is the most common material used for electrical wiring. Silver is the best conductor, but is expensive. Because it does not corrode, gold is used for high-quality surface-to-surface contacts. However, there are also many non-metallic conductors, including graphite, solutions of salts, and all plasmas. There are even conductive polymers. See electrical conduction for more information on the physical mechanism for charge flow in materials.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science
Related Questions

What are four physical properties shared by metallic elements?

Four physical properties shared by the metallic elements are that they are ductile, malleable, have good thermal conductivity, and have a metallic luster. They are also good conductors of electricity.


What is non metallic conductors?

Graphite


What are property of metallic element?

good conductors of electricitygood conductors of heatmaeleablehigh tensile strength


For most conductors as their temperature increases their resistance?

The resistance of pure metallic conductors increases with temperature, because the resistivity of these conductors increase with temperature.


What is the difference between a electrolytic conductor and a metallic conductor?

Electrolytic conductors conduct electricity through the movement of ions in a solution, while metallic conductors conduct electricity through the movement of electrons in a solid material. Electrolytic conductors are typically liquids or solutions, while metallic conductors are solid materials with freely moving electrons.


What types of bonds do you think the good conductors of electricity have?

Good conductors of electricity typically have metallic bonds. Metallic bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between metal atoms, allowing for the easy movement of electrons, which is key for conducting electricity. This shared "sea of electrons" allows the free flow of electric charge through the material.


How do you know that aluminimn foil is a kind of conductor?

It possesses metallic properties, and metals are conductors.


Are steel springs conductors or insulator?

Any metallic object has the ability to conduct electricity.


What is true about most metals?

Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. They have a metallic luster. All the metals are solids except Mercury.


What is a fact about semimetal?

Semimetals, also known as metalloids, have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They typically have a combination of metallic and non-metallic properties, making them good conductors of electricity but poor conductors of heat. Examples of semimetals include silicon and arsenic.


Diff types of conductor?

Conductors can be classified into three main types: metallic conductors, electrolytic conductors, and superconductors. Metallic conductors, such as copper and aluminum, allow electrons to flow freely due to their atomic structure. Electrolytic conductors, like saltwater, conduct electricity through the movement of ions in a solution. Superconductors exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields at very low temperatures, allowing for highly efficient current flow.


Identify materials that are commonly used as conductors to provide household electricity?

Non metallic sheathed cable is used as conductors in home wiring.See related links below.