Insulator — Science definition
A material such as rubber or glass whose electrons are locked in place, so charge does not flow through it.
Where it is taught
- Electric Charge & Fields — Electricity, Magnetism & Circuits, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
Questions using insulator
Problem 1
Explain the difference between a conductor and an insulator in terms of electrons, and give one example of each.
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.