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The answer is a little more complex than a neat, pat answer. Electric flow may be seen as forward propagation of electrons, or backwards propagation of positive "holes" which may move through or around a medium, or as the movement of ions through a medium. Depending on the dielectric strength of an insulator, and the voltage/amperage of the charge in question, the electricity may move through, over, or around an insulator.
In some cases, an electric current can move easily through both an insulator and a conductor, but in most cases, electricity moves easiest through a conductor. Conductors are usually metals or metalloids that have are joined together through metallic bonding. Metallic bonding results in positive metal ions floating in a sea of electrons. The "delocalized nature" of the electrons (electrons spread out) allows charge to flow easily through a conductor.

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What is the definition of conductors and insulators?

Conductors are materials that allow the flow of electrical current, as they have loosely bound electrons that can move freely. Insulators, on the other hand, are materials that do not allow the flow of electrical current, as their electrons are tightly bound and cannot move easily.


The difference between conductor and insulator?

Conductors allow electricity to pass through them easily and insulators don't let electricity pass through easily. Some examples of conductors are most metals and some examples of insulators are wood, rubber, and plastic.


Is copper white a conductor or insulator?

Copper is a metal, so it has metallic bonding. This means that the electrons are free to move & carry a current. So copper is a good conductor of heat & electricity.


What makes a substance an insulator versus a conductor?

Hi, Answer lies in the electron distribution of the element. In insulator the valence electron in the outer most orbit is not present which in the case of conductor is present so insulators do not have free electron or losely held electron to conduct electricity so they are bad conductor of electricity or in other word they are INSULATORS. hope this answers your question


Why is glass a bad conductor of electricity?

Glass is a bad conductor of electricity because its atomic structure lacks free-moving electrons, which are necessary for the flow of electrical current. Unlike metals, where electrons move easily through a conductive lattice, the electrons in glass are tightly bound to their atoms, making it an insulator rather than a conductor.

Related Questions

What's the difference between a conductor and an insulator in terms of their ability to conduct electricity?

A conductor allows electricity to flow through it easily, while an insulator does not allow electricity to flow through it. Conductors have free electrons that can move easily, while insulators have tightly bound electrons that do not move easily.


Is nylon a good conductor of electricity?

No, nylon is not a good conductor of electricity, it is an insulator.


Is sulfur a good conductor of electrisity?

Sulfur is a poor conductor of electricity because it is an insulator. It does not have free electrons that can move and carry an electric charge. This means that electricity does not flow easily through sulfur.


Is a steel spring a conductor of electricity or insulator of electricity and why?

Steel is a conductor of electricity because it contains charged particles that are free to move and carry an electric current. This conductivity property allows electricity to flow through a steel spring.


What is the definition of conductors and insulators?

Conductors are materials that allow the flow of electrical current, as they have loosely bound electrons that can move freely. Insulators, on the other hand, are materials that do not allow the flow of electrical current, as their electrons are tightly bound and cannot move easily.


Is metal a conductor of electricity or an insulator?

Metal is a conductor of electricity, however when heated most metals become poor conductors as the atoms begun to vibrate and block the path of the electrons.


Is steel spring an insulator or conductor?

Steel is a conductor because it allows electricity to flow through it. This is due to the abundance of free electrons in its atomic structure which can move easily.


Is glass a conductor a semi-conductor or insulator?

Glass is an insulator. It does not conduct electricity because its structure lacks free electrons that can move easily to carry an electric current.


What is a insulator and conductor?

An insulator is a material that does not easily allow the flow of electricity, while a conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow through it easily. Insulators have high resistance to electrical flow, while conductors have low resistance. This property is due to the difference in the number of free electrons available for conducting electricity in each material.


Is ebonite a conductor?

No, ebonite is an insulator and does not conduct electricity. It is a type of hard rubber that is known for its electrical insulating properties.


Is tin a insulator or an conductor?

Tin is a metal and therefore is a good conductor of electricity. Metals have a high density of free electrons that can move easily, allowing electricity to flow through them. Insulators, on the other hand, have very few free electrons and do not conduct electricity well.


Is a zinc a insulator?

No, Zinc is a conductor of electricity.