Electricity - Spigot Science

Science ConnectionConductorsandInsulatorsBy David CochranGuido GerdingWikimediaCommonsSome materials are natural attractors of electricity. They are called conductors, and electrons easily flowthrough them. Most metals are conductors, and copper wire is a favorite metal to use in an electrical circuit.Gold and silver are also good conductors.Other materials do not conduct electricity. It is very hard, if not impossible, to get electricity to flowthrough non-conductors. Glass is an example of a non-conducting material. These materials are also calledinsulating materials because they insulate or prevent the flow of electrons. Rubber also repels electric current,so it is also a good insulator.ConductorsorInsulators?Put a Y for yes or anN for no in the columnthat you think applies tothe materials.Feel free to do someresearch using the Internetor books to find theanswer.Material Does it conduct? Does it insulate?watercorksteel nailrubber duckywoodgraphite (in a pencil)paperplastickeycoinAnswers are on page 34.There is a fast way to test material to see if itconducts electricity. Place a magnet on a piece ofmaterial. Is it attracted to the material or does it repel?If it is attracted, the material is a conductor. Ifit is not attracted, it is an insulator. There are somematerials, like liquids, that can’t be tested this way.PonderWhy do you think the outsideof a light bulb is made of glass?Spigot Science - http://www.spigotscience.com 7 Electricity