Conductors vs Insulators: What Lets Electricity Flow

Conductors are materials that let electrons move freely, like copper, aluminum, and gold.
Insulators block electron flow—rubber, glass, and plastic are common examples.
Metals conduct well because their outer electrons are loosely bound and easily drift.
Insulators have tightly bound electrons that resist movement.
Everyday power cords use metal wires inside for conduction, wrapped in insulating plastic for safety.
Water with impurities conducts electricity, but pure distilled water is a poor conductor.
Insulators are essential in preventing short circuits and electric shocks.
Semiconductors, like silicon, fall between conductors and insulators—key to modern electronics.
Temperature can change conductivity—some materials even become perfect conductors at very low temperatures.
From lightning rods to smartphone chips, the balance of conductors and insulators makes electricity usable.