1
Q
Conductors
A
- Electricity can flow through a material
- Electron flow in conductors
* Lots of atoms in a metal wire
* If an electron breaks free from one atom, it is attracted and will bind to another atom
* This atom then ejects one of its own electrons, which in turn looks for another atom nearby to attach to, etc - Electrons can flow freely
- E.g.
* Gold
* Silver
* Copper
2
Q
Insulators
A
- Materials that slow down and block electricity
- Electrons cannot flow freely - static
- Electrons (-) are bound tightly to the nuclei (+) so they can resist movement
- E.g.
* Plastic
* Wood
* Glass
3
Q
Static Electricity
A
- Metals allow the flow of electrons
- Dealing with insulators
- Two non-metal insulators are rubbed together, they are charged
○ Electrons move from one material to another
○ Transfer of electrons leaves one material with a less negative charge, and vice versa
○ E.g. ruler and cloth - Spark caused can be dangerous
