Insulator

Definition

An insulator is a material that resists the flow of electric charge. It has tightly bound electrons that do not move freely, effectively preventing electrical conduction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Insulators have a high electrical resistance and low conductivity.
2. Common examples include rubber, glass, and plastic.
3. They are used to protect against electric shocks and to separate conductive materials.
4. Insulators can become conductive if subjected to extremely high voltages that cause dielectric breakdown.
5. In an electric field, the electrons in an insulator experience minimal movement compared to those in conductors.

Review Questions

• What property of insulators makes them effective at preventing electrical conduction?
• Name three common materials that are considered good insulators.
• How does the behavior of electrons in an insulator differ from that in a conductor?

Related terms

Conductor: A material that allows the flow of electric charge with low resistance due to free-moving electrons.

Dielectric Breakdown: The process by which an insulating material becomes conductive when exposed to a very high voltage.

Electric Field: $\text{A region around a charged particle or object within which a force would be exerted on other charged particles or objects.}$