Which term describes a material that does not allow electrons to move easily?

Which term describes a material that does not allow electrons to move easily?

• A. Electrical conductor
• B. Electrical insulator
• C. Semiconductor
• D. Resistor

Answer: (B)

Materials differ in how easily electrons can move through them. Those that let electrons flow readily are conductors, while those that resist electron movement are insulators because their electrons are tightly bound and there are few free charge carriers at typical conditions. The term that describes a material that does not allow electrons to move easily is electrical insulator. This explains why rubber, plastic, and glass are used to coat and protect electrical systems. Semiconductors conduct to some degree and can be controlled, and a resistor is a component that adds resistance in a circuit, not a type of material by itself.

Materials differ in how easily electrons can move through them. Those that let electrons flow readily are conductors, while those that resist electron movement are insulators because their electrons are tightly bound and there are few free charge carriers at typical conditions. The term that describes a material that does not allow electrons to move easily is electrical insulator. This explains why rubber, plastic, and glass are used to coat and protect electrical systems. Semiconductors conduct to some degree and can be controlled, and a resistor is a component that adds resistance in a circuit, not a type of material by itself.