Conductors and Insulators Mr. M. Couturier SNC1P

Electrical Materials

Electrical Materials Part of designing/inventing products is the selection of materials. In terms of electricity, materials can either be conductors or insulators. A conductor is a material that allows electrons to pass with relative ease. An insulator is a material that makes electron movement very difficult. Most will not pass.

Electrical Materials

Electrical Materials Some materials only allow electrons to pass with minor ease but are still considered conductors rather than insulators. These materials are often referred to as semiconductors (fair conductors).

Conductors When a good flow of electrons is required, electrical conductors tend to be in the form of wires. Hence, materials that are ductile, malleable, inexpensive and good conductors of electricity are ideal.

Common Good Conductors Good conductors include: Silver Copper Gold Aluminum Magnesium Tungsten Nickel

Copper

Common Semiconductors Fair conductors or semiconductors include: Graphite (carbon) nichrome Human Body and Damp skin Acid solutions Salt solutions Earth and humid atmosphere Silicon (reference to Silicon Valley)

Graphite

Insulators Sometimes, when electricity is present, you wish to create a strong barrier that will prevent almost all electrons from passing. Insulators provide such a barrier and are often used to coat conductors (i.e. wire coats, light switches, electrical outlet covers.

Common Insulators Good insulators or terrible conductors: Oil and plastic Fur/wool Wax Ebonite Wood and paper/silk RUBBER (think boots) Porcelain, glass or ceramics Pure Water

Rubber Boots

Ebonite Rod

Common Insulators

Homework Read 11.4 Conductors and Insulators (pages 480 – 482) Do questions 1-7 Read p.483