Electrical Properties of Solids – Definition, Explanation and Example

What are Solids?

A solid is a state of matter that has a definite shape and volume. Solids are held together by strong forces that keep the atoms or molecules in a fixed position. Most solids are opaque, meaning that light cannot pass through them. Electrical Properties of Solids – Definition Explanation and Example.

Electrical Properties of Solids

The electrical properties of solids are determined by the number of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. The more electrons in the outermost shell, the more negative the atom is and the more it will repel other atoms. This is what creates the electrical force between atoms. In a metal, the atoms are arranged in a regular pattern and each atom has a lot of electrons in its outermost shell. This makes the metal a good conductor of electricity. In a non-metal, the atoms are not arranged in a regular pattern and each atom has a few electrons in its outermost shell. This makes the non-metal a bad conductor of electricity.

Conductors and insulators

Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow freely through them, while insulators are materials that do not allow electricity to flow through them easily. This is why metal wires are often used to create electrical circuits, as they are good conductors, whereas rubber or plastic are good insulators.

Insulators

are materials that do not allow electric current through them. They are made of materials that do not allow electrons to flow freely through them. This is why they are used to insulate wires, to prevent the current from flowing out of the wires.

Semiconductor

A semiconductor is a material that can connect and conduct electricity and heat. They are made of materials like carbon, silicon, germanium, and silicon-germanium, and are found in computer chips, solar energy cells and LED lights.

Electrical Properties of Solids – Definition Explanation and Example.