Lesson 7 of 9

Conductors and insulators

Goal: Compare electrical conductors and insulators.

Puzzles for this lesson

A conductor lets current flow through it easily. An insulator does not.

Metals are good conductors. Some of their electrons are free to move through the metal.
Plastic, rubber, glass and dry wood are insulators. Their electrons cannot move freely.
A conductor has a low resistance. An insulator has a very high resistance.

Why a wire has two layers: copper inside to carry the current, and plastic outside to keep you safe.

Your turn

This lesson’s activity starts here in a moment.

I can sort materials into the two groups.I can explain the difference using electrons.

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Current A flow of electric charge

Electron A tiny particle with a negative charge

Resistance How hard it is for current to flow

Conductor Lets current flow through it easily

Insulator Does not let current flow through it easily

For teachers: AQA 3.2.1 · Pearson Edexcel 35.1 in part · Cambridge 7Pe.02