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Electrons in different types of atoms have different degrees of freedom to move. In some types of materials, such as metals, the outermost electrons of an atom are so loosely coupled that they move randomly through the space between the atoms of that material, below the extent to which they are affected by room temperature thermal energy. These virtually unbound electrons are often referred to as free electrons because they freely leave each atom and float through the space between adjacent atoms. In other types of materials, such as glass, electrons in atoms have little freedom to move. External forces, such as physical friction, allow some of these electrons to leave each atom and move to atoms of other substances, but not easily between atoms within those substances. The relative mobility of electrons in a substance is called electrical conductivity. Conductivity is determined by the type of atoms in a substance (the number of protons in each atom’s nucleus, which determines its chemical identity) and how the atoms bind to each other. The materials having higher electron mobility (more free electrons) are being called conductors, and the materials having lower electron mobility (low or no free electrons) are called insulators.
Overview
We distinguish the elements around us based on physical properties such as plasticity, phase, texture, colour, polarity, solubility, etc. However, as we know, another very important element classification is based on charge conduction. Those. conductors and insulators.
A simple experiment with a battery and a small LED light bulb shows that the light bulb does not light when the electrical circuit between the battery and the light bulb is blocked with plastic or cotton yarn. And if you do the same experiment with a metal wire like copper, the light bulb will start to glow. This indicates that some elements provide charge transfer from the battery to the light bulb while others do not.
Current can flow freely in conductors but not in insulators. Metals such as copper are typical conductors, but most non-metallic solids are considered good insulators and have very high resistance to charge flow through them. The conductor refers to the thing in which the outer electrons of an atom are loosely bound and can move freely through the material. Most atoms hold electrons tightly and are insulators. In copper, the valence electrons are practically free and strongly repel each other. An external force moving one of them repels the other electrons and propagates along the domino conductor.
Conductors
A conductor is a material or substance through which an electric current passes. They conduct electricity because they allow electrons to flow easily from atom to atom. Conductors also allow the transfer of heat or light from one source to another.
Metals, people, earth, and animals are conductors. So, we get electrocuted! It is known that the human body is considered a good conductor. This provides a resistance-free path for current flowing from the wire to the body.
The surface of a conductor has free electrons that allow current to flow easily. This is why conductors can conduct electricity.
Examples of Conductors:
- A material such as silver is the best conductor of electricity. However, because of its high price, silver is not used for industrial or power transmission purposes.
- Copper, brass, steel, gold, and aluminium are good electrical conductors. We use them in electrical circuits and systems in the form of wires.
- Mercury is an excellent liquid conductor. Therefore, this material finds application in many tools.
Applications of Conductors:
Conductors are very useful in many ways.
- Mercury is a common material for thermometers.
- Aluminium is used in the production of food storage foil. It is also used in the production of frying pans for rapid heat build-up.
- Iron is a common material used in the manufacture of automobile engines to dissipate heat.
- The iron plate is made of steel and absorbs heat quickly.
- The conductor is used in automobile radiators to remove heat from the engine.
Insulators
An insulator is a material or substance that prevents or resists the passage of an electric current. It is generally robust. Insulators are also used in various systems. Because it doesn’t let the heat in, the property that distinguishes insulators from conductors is their resistance.
Wood, cloth, glass, mica, and quartz are good examples of insulators. Insulators are also protective devices. They protect against heat, sound, and, of course, the passage of electricity. Also, there are no free electrons in insulators. It is the important reason behind the idea of saying that they do not conduct electricity.
Examples of Insulators:
- Glass is treated as the best insulator due to its highest resistivity.
- Plastic is a good insulator and has many uses.
- Rubber is a common material used to make tires, fire-resistant clothing, and slippers.
Differences Between Conductor and Insulators
| Conductor | Insulator |
| The material which allows electricity or heat to pass through it. | The material that does not allow heat and electricity to pass through it. |
| The known examples of a conductor are silver, aluminium, and iron. | The known examples of an insulator are paper, wood, and rubber. |
| The electrons move freely inside the conductor. | The electrons do not move freely inside the insulator. |
| The electric field presents on the surface but keeps as zero on the inside. | The electric field doesn’t appear. |
Also read: Important Topic of Chemistry: Strong Electrolyte
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind using metals as material for making electrical wires?
Metal is the material of choice for making wires because it is a good conductor of electricity.
What is meant by a semiconductor?
A semiconductor is an electrically conductive material between a conductor and an insulator. Examples include germanium and silicon
What is the purpose of a lightning rod?
The purpose of lightning rods is to protect structures from lightning damage by blocking voltage surges and directing current to the ground.
How can the conductivity of water be increased?
One of the good conductors of electricity is water. However, to improve conductivity, you can sprinkle with salt.
