Question

Why is electrical wiring usually covered with a layer of plastic?
(A) To make it look pretty
(B) To help electricity flow along the wire
(C) To make it safe
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint Plastic is a non-conducting material. Covering electrical wiring using plastic ensures that the current doesn’t flow outside the system. This avoids shocks, short-circuit etc.

Complete step by step answer Electrical wires are covered with a layer of plastic to make it safe. Plastics are non-reactive and poor conductors of electricity or to be precise, they are insulators. They do not allow the electric current to pass through them easily. Also, they can bear high temperatures. These properties make it safe.

Hence, the correct answer is option (c.).

Additional information Plastics are synthetic materials which are made by polymerization of small organic molecules having higher molecular weight. For example, Bakelite, Polythene, Teflon, PVC, etc. actually plastics are synthetic polymers.
Properties of plastics:
1. Plastics are light in weight so they are easy to handle.
2. They are strong and durable.
3. They are non-reactive, poor conductors of electricity.
4. They can bear high temperatures.
5. It is cheaper than metals hence its use is increasing day by day.
Uses of plastic:
1. are used for covering electrical wires.
2. The handle of cooking utensils, pressure cooker and frying pan are made of Bakelite plastics.
3. They are used in the form of containers to store chemicals, pickles, spices, oils etc in shops and homes.
4. In the field of agriculture, the pipes used for irrigation are made of plastic.
5. Special plastic made utensils are used to cook food in the microwave oven.
6. Nonstick pan and other nonstick appliances have the coating of Teflon.

Note
One can use the elimination method to choose the most appropriate option. Electrical circuitry is meant for power transmission and not primarily for just making things look pretty. Hence Option A isn’t correct.
Option B says that plastic cover would help the electricity flow from the wire. But wire is a good conductor, and doesn’t need help with the conduction of electricity. Hence even Option B is incorrect.
And Option C is the only sensible option.