In materials where electrons can move freely (such as metals) we can make them flow, creating an electric current. To make the electrons move we must provide them with the necessary energy, using devices such as batteries, and a closed circuit made of metal wire. We use electric currents to control and operate devices such as phones, computers, household appliances, light bulbs...
An electric current is a flow of charge.
Electricity can move in a circuit in two different ways:
The rock group AC/DC took its name from the abbreviation of these types of current.
CONDUCTORS
Materials that allow electric current to pass through them easily
The best conductors are metals, because they are made up of metallic elements, which tend to lose electrons to acquire a noble gas configuration. These electrons that are released can move.
INSULATORS
Materials that do not conduct electricity
The atoms that form insulators tend to have electrons held in bonds (as in the case of covalent bonds). These electrons cannot move. Wood, plastic, ceramics, glass... are good insulators.
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Classify the following materials as conductor or isolators. Remember that a conductive material is one made up of metallic elements, which are characterized by:
Conductors: copper, silver, aluminum
They are made up of METAL atoms.
Insulators: cotton, plastic, air, wood, rubber
Cotton, wood and natural rubber are of plant origin. Plastic is formed from petroleum derivatives. All of them are mainly made up of carbon compounds, which is not a metallic atom. The bonds in these compounds are COVALENT and their electrons cannot move.
Air is composed primarily of O2 and N2 molecules (unions of non-metallic atoms that form COVALENT bonds).
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