Insulators and Conductors

Hi, Slippery again. Some materials conduct electricity and are called conductors and some materials do not conduct electricity and are called insulators.

So Remember:

Conductors allow electricity to flow quite easily and will compete a circuit.

Insulators DO NOT allow electricity to flow easily and WILL NOT complete a circuit.

Dr. Gary Stewardson, Raymond Boyles

Now it is time for us to complete the pre-test assumptions on Activity 3: Test for Conductivity.

Make sure you receive a/an:

Key Paper clip

Wooden dowel Bare wire

Wire with insulation Pencil

Nail Leather

LEGO block Aluminum foil

Dr. Gary Stewardson, Raymond Boyles 2

Insulators and Conductors

Activity 2-1

Now that you have completed the pre-test assumptions on Activity 3: Test for Conductivity, make sure you receive a Conductivity Tester so you can complete the post-test observations. Also, be sure to answer the question at the bottom of Activity Sheet 3.

Dr. Gary Stewardson, Raymond Boyles 3

Conductors and Insulators

Here are two lists of items that are commonly known as insulators and conductors when working with voltages equal to or less than 12 volts.

Insulators Conductors

Wood Copper

Plastic Aluminum

Glass Most metals

Air

Human body

Dr. Gary Stewardson, Raymond Boyles

Conductors and Insulators

Here are two lists of items that are commonly known as insulators and conductors when working with 120 volts.

Insulators Conductors

Wood Copper

Plastic Aluminum

Glass Most metals

Air Human body

Dr. Gary Stewardson, Raymond Boyles

Conductors and Insulators

Remember, most insulators will conduct electricity if enough voltage is supplied. For example, we mentioned that wood is an insulator when working with 12 or 120 volts; however, if lightning strikes a tree, then electricity will flow through the tree and to the ground. Lightning has a very high voltage.

Dr. Gary Stewardson, Raymond Boyles

Conductors and Insulators

It was fun studying conductors and insulators with you. Our next lesson will discuss electrical properties.

Dr. Gary Stewardson, Raymond Boyles 7