An electrical insulator is a material that resists the flow of electric current. In insulators, electrons are tightly bound to their atoms, preventing free movement. This contrasts with conductors, where electrons move more freely, allowing electricity to pass through. The key property distinguishing insulators from conductors and semiconductors is resistivity; insulators have significantly higher resistivity, effectively blocking electrical conduction.
Recent developments have led to the use of composite polymer materials in insulators. These materials are lighter, offer better hydrophobic properties, and are more resistant to contamination compared to traditional materials like porcelain and glass. However, their long-term performance is still being evaluated.
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. If you want to make it more conductive, you can add salt to it.
By rubbing insulators together, they can be charged. The substance that gives electrons is positively charged, whereas the substance that receives them is negatively charged.
The valence electrons in an insulator are closely bound together. They lack the ability to conduct electricity because they lack free electrons. Electrical resistance refers to a material's ability to prevent an electric current from passing through it. Resistivity is the resistance of an insulator per unit cross-sectional area per unit length. The resistivity of insulators is extremely high.