Which term best describes a material that prevents the flow of electricity?

Which term best describes a material that prevents the flow of electricity?

• A. Insulator
• B. Conductor
• C. Static Electricity
• D. Electricity

Answer: (A)

Materials differ in how easily they pass electric charge. Some are conductors, which let charges move freely, while others are insulators, which resist the flow of electricity. An insulator has high electrical resistance, so its electrons are tightly bound and do not move easily. This prevents current from flowing through the material, making it ideal for protecting us and containing wiring. Static electricity is the buildup of charge, a phenomenon, not a description of a material's property. Electricity refers to the flow of electric charges in general, not to a material that blocks that flow. Therefore, the best term for a material that prevents the flow of electricity is insulator.

Materials differ in how easily they pass electric charge. Some are conductors, which let charges move freely, while others are insulators, which resist the flow of electricity. An insulator has high electrical resistance, so its electrons are tightly bound and do not move easily. This prevents current from flowing through the material, making it ideal for protecting us and containing wiring. Static electricity is the buildup of charge, a phenomenon, not a description of a material's property. Electricity refers to the flow of electric charges in general, not to a material that blocks that flow. Therefore, the best term for a material that prevents the flow of electricity is insulator.