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An insulator stops the flow of an electric current because it does not conduct electricity.

The conductivity of a substance depends on the electrons in orbit in its atoms. In copper you have only one electron in its outer-most orbit making is more conductive. If memory serves, aluminum has 2 electrons in its outer-most orbit. Non-conductive or insulation materials have more electrons in their outer-most orbits making them more stable and less conductive.

Another Answer

An insulator doesn't really 'stop the flow of current', it's more accurate to say that it cannot support the flow of current. This is because, compared with conductors, insulators have relatively-few charge carriers available to enable them to conduct.

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Describe how an insulator can slow a transfer of energy?

Insulators slow the transfer of energy by limiting the movement of heat or electricity through their structure. Their high resistance prevents the flow of energy, thereby reducing the speed at which it can transfer from one medium to another. This property makes insulators effective in maintaining temperature gradients or preventing electrical currents from dissipating.


How do insulators slow down heat transfer?

Insulators slow down heat transfer by reducing the movement of heat energy through a material. They have low thermal conductivity, meaning they are not good conductors of heat. This limits the transfer of heat from one side of the insulator to the other.


What is the name of the Material that does not transfer heat energy easily?

An insulator is a material that does not transfer heat energy easily. Insulators have low thermal conductivity, which means they are poor conductors of heat. Examples of insulators include rubber, wood, and plastic.


Why are insulators poor conductors of heat?

Insulators are poor conductors of heat because they have a low thermal conductivity, meaning they are not able to efficiently transfer heat. This is because insulators have a high number of tightly bound electrons that do not move easily to carry thermal energy. Additionally, insulators have a molecular structure that does not allow for the easy transfer of heat energy through them.


What is energy that doesn't transfer thermal energy easily?

Insulators are materials that don't transfer thermal energy easily. They have low thermal conductivity, which means they resist the flow of heat, helping to keep objects warm or cool by preventing the loss or gain of thermal energy. Examples of insulators include wood, plastic, and rubber.

Related Questions

Describe how an insulator can slow a transfer of energy?

Insulators slow the transfer of energy by limiting the movement of heat or electricity through their structure. Their high resistance prevents the flow of energy, thereby reducing the speed at which it can transfer from one medium to another. This property makes insulators effective in maintaining temperature gradients or preventing electrical currents from dissipating.


How do insulators slow down heat transfer?

Insulators slow down heat transfer by reducing the movement of heat energy through a material. They have low thermal conductivity, meaning they are not good conductors of heat. This limits the transfer of heat from one side of the insulator to the other.


Does not transfer thermal energy?

Thermodynamic Insulators


What does not transfer thermal energy?

Thermodynamic Insulators


What are insalatars?

Insulators [spelling] slow the flow of energy, either heat of electric.


What is the name of the Material that does not transfer heat energy easily?

An insulator is a material that does not transfer heat energy easily. Insulators have low thermal conductivity, which means they are poor conductors of heat. Examples of insulators include rubber, wood, and plastic.


Why are insulators poor conductors of heat?

Insulators are poor conductors of heat because they have a low thermal conductivity, meaning they are not able to efficiently transfer heat. This is because insulators have a high number of tightly bound electrons that do not move easily to carry thermal energy. Additionally, insulators have a molecular structure that does not allow for the easy transfer of heat energy through them.


What is energy that doesn't transfer thermal energy easily?

Insulators are materials that don't transfer thermal energy easily. They have low thermal conductivity, which means they resist the flow of heat, helping to keep objects warm or cool by preventing the loss or gain of thermal energy. Examples of insulators include wood, plastic, and rubber.


What is the transfer of energy as heat through a substance by direct contact?

Conduction is the transfer of energy as heat through a substance by direct contact. The heat is transferred from the warmer object to the cooler one through molecular collisions. Materials that are good conductors, such as metals, allow heat to transfer quickly, while insulators, like wood or plastic, slow down the transfer of heat.


How does different materials of insulators affect temperature change?

Different materials have varying thermal conductivity properties, which affect how quickly they transfer heat. Good insulators like Styrofoam or fiberglass slow down heat transfer, reducing temperature change. Poor insulators like metal or glass allow heat to transfer quickly, leading to more significant temperature changes.


How is sound insulator similar to and different from a heat insulator?

Sound insulators are similar to heat insulators in that they both aim to reduce the transfer of energy, but they work in different ways. Sound insulators absorb and dampen sound vibrations, while heat insulators reduce the transfer of heat through conduction, convection, or radiation. Materials that are good sound insulators may not necessarily be good heat insulators and vice versa.


Which term defines something that does not transfer thermal energy efficuently?

The term for something that does not transfer thermal energy efficiently is "insulator." Insulators have low thermal conductivity and prevent the flow of heat from one area to another. Materials like wood, plastic, and rubber are commonly used as insulators.