OpenOlympiad
Concept 5 of 9Foundation
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Conductors and insulators

Conductors let current flow easily. They have free-moving electrons. Examples: copper, aluminium, iron, gold, silver, graphite (non-metal!), salt water, our body.

Insulators block current. Examples: plastic, rubber, wood, glass, air, dry paper.

Electrical wires have copper INSIDE (conductor) wrapped with plastic OUTSIDE (insulator). The plastic keeps you safe when you touch the wire.

Example
Can a pencil lead light a bulb? Yes — graphite conducts. Can a wooden pencil body? No — wood insulates.
💡 Tip:Pure distilled water doesn't conduct well. Tap water does (because of dissolved salts).
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5 questions to check what you just read.

0 / 5
  1. Q1.Conductor example:
  2. Q2.Insulator example:
  3. Q3.Non-metal that conducts:
  4. Q4.Why are wires coated with plastic?
  5. Q5.Distilled water is: