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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
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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?

Materials that allow charges to flow through them easily are called conductors. Conductors typically have a high density of free electrons that can move easily in response to an electric field. Common examples of conductors include metals like copper, silver, and aluminum.


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.

Related Questions

What is the measurement of how difficult it is for electrons to flow through a material?

Resistance.


Which material is it most difficult for electrons to flow through?

glass


What is the term for the flow of electrons through the insulating material of a capacitor?

The term for the flow of electrons through the insulating material of a capacitor is called "dielectric breakdown."


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 material is most difficult for electrons to flow through?

Insulators are materials through which electrons have the most difficulty flowing. This is because insulators have very few free electrons that are able to move through the material. Materials like rubber, plastic, and wood are good examples of insulators.


What materials is it most difficult for electrons to flow through?

Electrons find it most difficult to flow through insulating materials like rubber, glass, and plastic. These materials have very high resistance to the flow of electric current, which makes it harder for electrons to move through them.


The measure of how difficult it is for electrons to flow through materials?

resistance


Electrons do not readily flow through what material?

Electrons do not readily flow through insulating materials, which have a high resistance to the flow of electric current due to their tightly bound electrons. Examples of insulating materials include rubber, plastic, and glass.


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 flow of electrons through a material called?

Electricity".insulatorInsulatorinsulatorCurrent


The ------ Is a way of saying how difficult it is for electricity to flow?

Resistance is a way of measuring how difficult it is for electricity to flow through a material.