Insulators and Conductors

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that does not allow energy, particularly electrical energy, to flow through it easily.

Front

What is a conductor?

Back

A conductor is a material that allows energy, especially electrical energy, to flow through it easily.

Front

Give an example of a common insulator.

Back

Rubber is a common example of an insulator.

Front

Give an example of a common conductor.

Back

Copper is a common example of a conductor.

Front

Why are wires covered in rubber?

Back

Wires are covered in rubber because rubber is an insulator, which prevents electrical energy from escaping and protects users from electric shock.

Front

Is aluminum a conductor or an insulator?

Back

Aluminum is a conductor.

Front

What property of materials determines if they are insulators or conductors?

Back

The property that determines if materials are insulators or conductors is their ability to allow the flow of electric charge.

Front

What happens to electrical energy when it passes through an insulator?

Back

Electrical energy does not pass through an insulator easily; it is largely blocked or resisted.

Front

What happens to electrical energy when it passes through a conductor?

Back

Electrical energy flows easily through a conductor.

Front

Can a material be both a conductor and an insulator?

Back

Yes, some materials can act as conductors under certain conditions and as insulators under others, depending on factors like temperature and purity.