Conductors vs. Insulators
Conductors
CONDUCTORS are things that electricity easily passes through; things that do not resist the flow of electricity
|
copper
|
|
silver
|
|
aluminum
|
|
gold
|
|
steel
|
|
electrolytes
|
thick, short wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . why?
-
Memory trick: Think “train conductor.” Train conductors keep the trains moving as electric conductors keep the current moving.
Not all metals conduct electricity equally well.
Insulators
INSULATORS resist the flow of electricity; things that electricity does not easily pass through
|
plastic
|
|
wood
|
|
rubber
|
|
cloth
|
|
air
|
|
glass
|
thin, long wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . why?
-
Memory trick: Think “insulated jacket,” or “house insulation.” Both keep the heat in.
No material can be a perfect insulator. Some materials are better insulators than others.
-
Directions: Read the list of materials and objects below. Put them under the conductors list or under the insulators list.
|
ceramic tiles
|
|
plastic bags
|
|
wooden boxes
|
|
metal shoes
|
|
salt water
|
|
a chain fence
|
|
asbestos tiles
|
wool blankets
|
|
a jump rope
|
|
an aluminum can
|
water
|
|
lemon juice
|
