Conductor — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A material in which charge can move relatively readily under stated conditions. (Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems)
- A material such as copper in which some electrons are free to move, so charge flows through it easily. (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- Electric Charge, Attraction & Materials — Electricity, Magnetism & Light, Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems, Grade 6
- Electric Charge & Fields — Electricity, Magnetism & Circuits, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
Questions using conductor
Problem 1
- conductor: A material in which charge can move relatively readily under stated conditions.
- Rubbing creates electric charge from nothing.
- Attraction always proves two objects have opposite net charges.
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation
conductor: A material in which charge can move relatively readily under stated conditions.
A material in which charge can move relatively readily under stated conditions. A has ten positive and eight negative units, a net positive two. B has ten positive and twelve negative, a net negative two. The combined twenty positive and twenty negative units remain; charge is transferred, not created. These are model units, not measured coulombs or a rule for every rubbed material.
Problem 2
- glass
- copper
- dry wood
- rubber
Answer and explanation
copper
Copper is a metal with free-moving electrons, making it an excellent conductor — which is why wires are made of it.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
In a conductor, such as copper, some electrons are free to move through the material, so charge flows easily. In an insulator, such as rubber or glass, the electrons are held tightly to their atoms and cannot move freely, so charge does not flow. That is why wires use a copper conductor coated in a rubber insulator.