Distinguish between conductors and insulators. Give some of their examples.
The materials can be broadly classified into two categories namely:
(i) Conductors: Conductors are the substances through which electric charges can flow easily.
For example, the electrons of the outer shells of metallic atoms are loosely bound to the nucleus. These electrons are quite free to move. Hence, metals have high electrical conductivity.
(ii) Insulators: The substances through which electrical charges cannot move freely are known as insulators.
In insulators, the electrons are tightly bound to the nucleus and cannot move away from it. Since, the electric charges are unable to move freely in insulators, they are poor conductor of electricity.
Table: Examples of Conductors and Insulators:
|
Conductors |
Insulators |
|
Metals like copper, silver, aluminium Graphite Human body Acids, Alkalies Water solution of salts |
Diamond Rubber Glass Wood, mica, plastic, ebonite Distilled water |
