How Conductors Are Defined As the Materials or Substances

Conductors are defined as the materials or substances that permit electricity to pass through them. Similarly, conductors allow heat to be transmitted through them. In every conductor, an electrical charge is present. It starts moving when an electric potential difference is sent across the material’s different points. Electric current is this flow of charge that we measure in amperes. Most of the conductors that we’re familiar with are metallic. Examples of conductors are metals, the human body, Earth and animals. There are many uses of conductors, which we will further learn about in detail.

Conductors Definition

Conductors are defined as the materials or substances that do not hinder the flow of electricity or heat through them. The surface of conductors has free electrons. Thus, they are able to permit current to pass through it easily. As a result, electricity can transmit through it in a free manner.

Examples of conductors are metals, the human body, Earth and animals. You might be wondering why the human body is on that list. Well, our bodies are great conductors. Our body consists of cells that are composed of different ions, such as sodium ions, chloride ions, and more. Thus, these ions can easily conduct electricity, making our bodies great conductors.

Uses of Conductor

• We use cookware made of conductors to cook our food.

• A steam or press iron is made of conductor materials.

• We also use conductors in car radiators for eliminating heat from the engine of the car.

• The baking tools that you use are made of conducting materials.

• The auto parts industry uses silver (a conducting material) for the manufacturing of spark plugs.

• Copper is a pure metal with high electrical conductivity. Thus, we use it for a conductor cable.

Examples of Conductors

• Human Body

• Iron

• Metals such as copper, silver, gold, etc.

• Aqueous solutions of salts

• Graphite

Superconductors

There are certain materials that we refer to as superconductors. They do not have any resistance to the current flow. The electrons present in these conductors can easily move through them. The key point is that they are able to move in a better and more organised manner when we compare them to ordinary conductors.

Similarly, these conductors serve well where huge electromagnets are required, such as a medical scanner. However, the problem is that they will work only when kept under super cold conditions. Interestingly, the highest temperature that the most advanced superconductor can bear is around 135°C.

Electrical Conductors

These are materials or substances that permit electricity to pass through them easily. For instance, when you take two materials and observe that one is allowing the free flow of electricity more readily than the other, we can call that material a good conductor of electricity.

There are different types of electrical conductors. They include silver, water, gold, copper, graphite, aluminium, and even the human body. These materials enable the electrical charges to pass through them without resistance.

Properties of an Electrical Conductor

An electrical conductor under balanced conditions will possess the properties given below:

• The conductor will permit the electrons and ions to move in it.

• The electrical field of the conductor will be 0 to allow the electrons to flow through it.

• The charge density of the conductor will also be 0.

• Free charges in these conductors occur on the surface only.

• Both the ends of the conductors will be at the same potential.

• Usually, numerous metals act as strong electrical conductors. Insulators such as plastic generally cover the electrical conductor in the form of a coating to keep the user safe from getting an electric shock.

How are Conductors Different from Insulators?

Conductors are the exact opposite of insulators. They allow electrons to move freely while insulators restrict that. Similarly, they can let electricity pass through them while insulators cannot.

There are free electrons in conductors that make it possible to conduct electricity. On the other hand, insulators have tightly bound electrons. An electrical field is not present in insulators, but it is present on the surface of a conductor, although inside, it is said to be zero.

Finally, examples of conductors are metals, the human body, Earth and animals. Meanwhile, plastic, rubber, ceramics, glass, asphalt, etc. are examples of insulators.

Conclusion

All in all, conductors are defined as the materials or substances that hold a lot of importance in our lives. We use them for a wide range of applications. What makes a conductor important is its ability to allow electricity and heat to flow through it. There are materials that are made of conductors and some are made of insulators, both serve different purposes. Some are made of both materials so that they can operate smoothly while protecting the user, such as a steam iron with a plastic handle.