Conductor

Definition

A conductor is a material that allows the free flow of electric charge, typically electrons. Conductors are essential in creating electric circuits and are usually made from metals like copper or aluminum.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A good conductor has a high density of free charge carriers, such as electrons.
2. In an electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field inside a perfect conductor is zero.
3. Conductors can redistribute their charges on their surface when exposed to an external electric field.
4. The potential difference between any two points within a conductor is zero in electrostatic conditions.
5. Conductors are used extensively in electrical wiring and electronic components due to their efficiency in transmitting electricity.

Review Questions

• What happens to the electric field inside a perfect conductor?
• Why do conductors have free charge carriers?
• What occurs on the surface of a conductor when placed in an external electric field?

Related terms

Insulator:

A material that resists the flow of electric charge, typically used to protect against unwanted current flow.

Electric Field:

A region around charged particles or objects within which other charged particles experience a force.

Electrostatic Equilibrium:

The condition where the net electric field within a conductor is zero, and charges are at rest.