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Welcome to our Physics lesson on Electric Conductors and Insulators, this is the fourth lesson of our suite of physics lessons covering the topic of Electric Charges. Conductors and Insulators, you can find links to the other lessons within this tutorial and access additional physics learning resources below this lesson.
We must first emphasize the fact that only electrons can move independently from one place to another as they rotate in the outer part of atoms. Protons cannot move as they are locked inside the nuclei. This means when discussing about the movement of electric charges, we imply the electrons movement only.
Electric charges can travel from one object into another when the proper conditions are created. These conditions are related to the ability of intermediate media to "host" and "escort" electric charges during flow from the source to the destination. Some materials are more charges-friendly, i.e. they allow free electrons to travel in transit through them. Such materials are called electric conductors. Metals for example, are good conductors of electricity as they allow free electrons to easily flow through them.
On the other hand, some materials provide high resistance to the charges flow. This means electric charges are blocked when they try to move through them. Such materials are known as electric insulators. Vacuum, air, wood, plastics, paper etc., are all examples of electric insulators.
Please note the similarities between heat and electricity conduction. In general, good conductors of heat are also good conductors of electricity. The same is also true for bad conductors.
You have reached the end of Physics lesson 14.1.4 Electric Conductors and Insulators. There are 8 lessons in this physics tutorial covering Electric Charges. Conductors and Insulators, you can access all the lessons from this tutorial below.
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