Question

How would you compare and contrast electric insulators and conductors? What are examples of each? At an atomic level, what is it that follows something to conduct electricity?

Answer 1

Hint : This question is a concept based question. In order to answer this question, we need to know about the conductors and insulators. After that we can write the differences between the conductors and insulators. Also, we need to know this fact that the electrons are responsible for the conduction of current.

Complete step by step answer
Step one
First of all let us define the conductors.
The materials which allow the free electrons to move are known as conductors. The conductors can pass electricity through them. The conductors allow the electrons to flow easily from atom to atom. Examples of conductors are metals, water etc.
Step two
Now we need to define the insulators.
The materials which do not allow the electrons to move are known as insulators. The insulators resist the flow of electrons. They do not allow the flow of current. Apart from current they also restrict the flow of heat. Examples of insulators are glass, plastic, ceramics etc.
In other words conductors can conduct electricity and insulators do not conduct electricity.
Step three
We know that the atom consists of electrons, protons and neutrons. Also we know that in an atom only electrons are free to move.
Therefore, electrons are responsible for the conduction of electricity.

Note: In conductors the electrons are loosely bound in the outer shells and are available for conduction of electricity. Apart from conducting electricity the conductors allow the transmission of heat or light from one source to another source. The conductors have free electrons on its surface due to which current flows through it.