Conductivity
Student groups make simple conductivity testers each using a battery and light bulb. They learn the difference between conductors and insulators of electrical energy as they test a variety of materials for their ability to conduct electricity.
Students learn about conductors and insulators.Copyright 2007 Chatama, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:600V_CV_5.5sqmm.jpg
To choose the best materials for use in electrical applications, some engineers specialize in understanding the conducting and insulating characteristics of materials. To carry electricity through buildings, electrical engineers use copper wire. To keep people from being harmed, they incorporate rubber and plastics as insulators for objects used around electrical current. For example, electrical tools often have rubber handles and many wires have a plastic coating. Engineers have also design more complicated materials called semi-conductors. In certain conditions a semi-conductor behaves more like a conductor, while in other conditions it becomes more like an insulator.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define a conductor and an insulator in the flow of electrical energy.
- Give examples of conductors and insulators.
- Explain how engineers use conductors and insulators.