Conductor vs. Insulator: Understanding the Differences

Conductor vs Insulator is a long and ever-going debate as not many individuals are aware of the differences between these two. Elements are usually differentiated based on their physical properties. However, another crucial aspect that must be considered when differentiating elements is their conductivity of electric charges. It means whether they are conductors or insulators. 

This comprehensive post will solve your ultimate confusion by listing the major differences between a conductor and an Insulator. However, before diving into the differences between the two, let’s take a brief look at what conductors and insulators are. 

What are Conductors?

The materials that allow electricity or electric current to pass through them are known as conductors, and this property of conductors is known as conductivity. These materials possess this property because they allow an easy flow of electrons within them from one atom to another. Conductors also allow the transmission of light and heat. 

As soon as a charge comes in contact with a conductor, it gets distributed throughout its surface. This charge distribution results in electron movement within the object. Conductors can transfer this charge to other conductors that come into their contact. 

What are Insulators?

Insulators are quite the opposite of conductors. These are the materials that do not promote the free flow of electrons in them from one atom to another. As a result, they do not allow electricity or electric current to flow through them. If an insulator comes in contact with a charge, the charge is not distributed on its surface and remains at its initial position. 

With a brief idea about what conductors and insulators are, move on to the next section of this conductor vs. insulator guide that will differentiate between these two based on varying factors. 

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Difference between Conductor and Insulator

Reading their definitions above must have given you a brief idea about the difference between a conductor and an Insulator. However, several other factors must be considered for a thorough differentiation between them. 

Application of Conductor and Insulator

One of the first aspects to consider for differentiating between conductors and insulators is their applications.

Applications of Conductors

• Mercury is a conducting material used for its conductivity on thermometers to check body temperature. 
• Aluminum is used to make fry pans as their conductivity allows them to store heat quickly. It is also used to make foils for food storage. 
• The iron plate is made from steel to absorb heat quickly. 
• Iron is widely used in vehicle engine manufacturing as it conducts heat. 
• Car radiators use conductors to eliminate heat from the engine.

Applications of Insulators

• Thermoplastic bottles use thermal insulators to prevent heat transfer. These insulators are also used in fireproofing walls and ceilings. 
• To control noise level or completely insulate a place from noise, sound insulators are used as they are good absorbers of sound. These are generally used in buildings and conference halls.
• Circuit boards use electrical insulators to hinder the electron flow or current passage. These insulators are also used in high-voltage systems and for coating electrical wires and cables.

The use of conductor and Insulator is a crucial differentiating factor, and the above points must have made it clear to you that both these materials or elements have vastly different applications. 

Examples of Conductor and Insulator

When learning about the difference between conductor and insulator examples of each are another essential factor. 

Conductors

• Graphite
• Human body
• Earth
• Gold
• Copper
• Silver
• Mercury
• Brass 
• Aluminum
• Steel
• Iron

Insulators

• Glass
• Plastic
• Rubber
• Wood
• Mica
• Ceramic
• Porcelain

Electrical Conductivity

Another crucial distinguishing factor for conductors and insulators is their electrical conductivity. It is essential to understand the differences between these two based on electrical conductivity for various applications like ensuring safety while handling electrical devices. 

Conductors exhibit high electrical conductivity as they have free electrons. Their atoms have loosely bound electrons that enable them to move freely in the presence of an electric field. Hence, the free movement of electrons allows electric charge flow, making conductors like silver, copper, and aluminum ideal for conducting electricity. 

On the other hand, insulators show negligible electrical conductivity. They do not allow the free flow of electrons as they are tightly bound in their atoms. As a result, these electrons are unable to carry electric charge from one atom to another. When a charge comes in contact with the surface of an insulator, it remains at its initial position only.

Atomic Structure

Another crucial factor in understanding this conductor vs. insulator guide is the atomic structure of both. The appropriate knowledge of their atomic structures helps electrical engineers choose the right material for a specific component of an electrical circuit. 

Conductors have their electrons loosely held by the atom’s nuclei. Therefore, the electrons in these atoms move freely within the material upon electric field application. This mobility of electrons allows the flow of electric current. 

In contrast, insulators have their electrons tightly bound by their atom’s nuclei. As a result, the electrons in insulators cannot move freely and they hinder electric current flow. 

Temperature Dependence

The electrical behavior of conductors and insulators also significantly depends on their temperature dependence. Conductors show increased atomic vibrations with an increase in temperature. The increased vibrations increase the collisions between atoms and electrons. 

On the other hand, with an increase in temperature, the tightly bound electrons of the insulators do not get affected by the temperature increase or decrease. They maintain their insulating properties regardless of the changes in temperature. 

Use in Electrical Systems

Although both conductors and insulators are used in electrical systems, they are used for quite different purposes. Conductors are used to facilitate electric current flow. They are widely used in electrical wiring, circuits, and transmission lines to provide a path for the electric current to flow from one point to another. 

The use of insulators is, however, quite different. These are used to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems. They act as barriers to prevent unintended current flow. These materials are used to insulate conductors to prevent electric shocks and short circuits. For example, they are used to coat the electric wires.

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Concluding Words

Conductors and insulators both play a crucial role in the world of electrical engineering. Both of these materials have unique applications and features that make them the backbone of electrical engineering. Not only electrical engineers but also every other individual must know about the differences between conductors and Insulators. 

If you are looking for the most reliable electrical components for a commercial industrial or household project, shop from the online store of Schneider Electric to get the best. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between a conductor and an Insulator?

Ans: Conductors allow electric current to flow through them, while insulators do not allow the charge or electric current to flow through them and hinder its flow. 

Q2. What are the uses of conductors and insulators in electrical engineering?

Ans: Conductors are commonly used to create a path for the current to flow from one point to another. On the other hand, insulators are used to insulate conductors to make electrical circuits reliable and safe. 

Q3. What are the examples of conductors and insulators?

Ans: Gold, human body, copper, aluminum, and steel are common examples of conductors. Some of the commonly used insulators are wood, plastic, glass, and rubber.