What term describes a material that does not allow electricity to flow easily?

What term describes a material that does not allow electricity to flow easily?

• A. Conductor
• B. Insulator
• C. Semiconductor
• D. Dielectric

Answer: (B)

Current flow depends on how easily charges can move through a material. Materials that block this movement have high resistance and don’t conduct electricity well, so they’re called insulators. That’s the best term for a material that does not allow electricity to flow easily. Everyday insulators like rubber, glass, and plastic are used to coat wires and separate conductive parts to prevent shocks and short circuits. A conductor is the opposite, letting current flow readily due to many free charge carriers. A semiconductor sits between as a material whose conductivity can be altered under certain conditions. Dielectric refers to an insulating material used to store energy in an electric field, such as in capacitors; while it doesn’t conduct, its primary emphasis is on energy storage rather than general current blockage.

Current flow depends on how easily charges can move through a material. Materials that block this movement have high resistance and don’t conduct electricity well, so they’re called insulators. That’s the best term for a material that does not allow electricity to flow easily. Everyday insulators like rubber, glass, and plastic are used to coat wires and separate conductive parts to prevent shocks and short circuits. A conductor is the opposite, letting current flow readily due to many free charge carriers. A semiconductor sits between as a material whose conductivity can be altered under certain conditions. Dielectric refers to an insulating material used to store energy in an electric field, such as in capacitors; while it doesn’t conduct, its primary emphasis is on energy storage rather than general current blockage.