Conductors and Insulators

What is resistance?Measure of how difficult it is for electricity

(electrons) to flow

4 factors that determine resistance

The material you use

The length the electricity has to flow

The diameter of the wire

The temperature of the material

Reducing the resistance does what to the current?

Increases the current

Reduce the resistance, increases the current.

Reduce the resistance making it easier for the electricity to flow..

Path of least resistanceElectricity will ALWAYS take the easiest possible

path.

You must be careful because through your body may be the path of least resistance.

Electric current flow through everything?

NO WAY!!!!

What are conductors?Materials that transfer electrons easily

Allows electrons to flow easily

Electrons in conductorsElectrons are loosely bound to their atoms.

Electrons move freely throughout the material

When electrons can move easily, they can flow, allowing electric current

Examples of conductorsSpoon

Wire

Metal

Copper

Aluminum

Gold

How does electricity get to a lamp so fast?

Electrons are already there, they just needed a push.

When the switch is flipped electrons start flowing

What are insulators?Material which electrons cannot flow easily

Electrons in an insulatorElectrons are bound tightly to their atoms

Electrons do not move easily

Why the rubber coating?Rubber acts as an insulator stopping the flow of

electrons to your hand