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Electrical Conductors & Insulators
   


 


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Electrical Facts

Conductors and Insulators

    NOTE: If you attempt to do any experiments which involve electricity – NEVER use the electricity from a plug or socket as it is very powerful and very dangerous. You should only use batteries for electrical experiments.

    Current Electricity – is caused by tiny invisible things called electrons that move through metal. This flow is called an electric current. Objects that need current electricity (moving electricity) are powered by batteries or by electricity which travels along wires from a power station. The circuit is completed by a switch, which turns the appliance on. When the switch is turned off, the circuit is broken and the appliance is turned off.

    Many objects that we use in our every day routine are powered by electricity – from computers and hairdryers to lamps and washing machines.

    • Conductors allow electricity flow through them.  Conductors are materials that can carry electricity - they conduct electricity. Metal materials such as copper, iron, steel and aluminium are all good conductors of electricity.
    • Insulators do not allow electricity to flow through them. Materials such as wood, plastic, rubber and glass do not carry electricity and are called insulators – they don’t conduct electricity.
    • Insulators and conductors both have important uses in current electricity.
    • Electricity can be very dangerous.  You should never touch anything electrical with wet hands – and that includes any electrical switches. Electricity can be conducted through sweat (salty water) to your body, giving you an electric shock - so think before you touch.

    -An electrical cord has a plastic coating which is the insulator

    -Inside the plastic cord are copper wires which are the conductors

    -The glass of a light bulb is the insulator (bulb)

    -The wires inside the glass light bulb are the conductors of electricity.

    -The surface (wooden, glass or plastic) where you switch on and where the light bulb is inserted are the insulators.

    It is important to learn about electricity so that you don't get shocked. You need to know which materials conduct electricity, and what materials are insulators. Don’t forget that mains electricity can be very dangerous, so learn the safety rules of electricity.

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