Conductors are materials that allow the easy flow of electrical current due to the presence of free electrons that can move freely within the material when an electric field is applied. Metals like copper, silver, and aluminum are common conductors because their atomic structure allows electrons to move easily, facilitating the transfer of electrical energy. Conductors offer low resistance to current flow, making them ideal for electrical wiring and circuits. However, their resistance increases with temperature as electron collisions become more frequent, hindering the flow of current.
Why are metals commonly used as conductors?
Metals are commonly used as conductors because they have free electrons that can move easily under an electric field, allowing the easy flow of electricity with low resistance.
What are free electrons in metals?
Free electrons are electrons in metals that are not tightly bound to any particular atom and can move freely throughout the material, allowing the flow of electric current.
How does temperature affect the resistance of conductors?
As the temperature of a conductor increases, the resistance also increases due to more collisions between free electrons and metal atoms.
What happens when you apply an external electric field to a conductor?
When an external electric field is applied to a conductor, the free electrons in the material move in a specific direction, resulting in the flow of electric current.
Give examples of common conductors.
Common conductors include metals like copper, silver, aluminum, and gold.
Which of the following is the best conductor of electricity?
a) Copper
b) Iron
c) Plastic
d) Wood
Answer: a) Copper
What is the main reason why metals are good conductors of electricity?
a) They have high resistance
b) They have free electrons that move easily
c) They are very hard
d) They have high specific heat capacity
Answer: b) They have free electrons that move easily
Which of the following materials is a non conductor?
a) Copper
b) Silver
c) Rubber
d) Aluminum
Answer:
Which of these materials can conduct electricity?
a) Wood
b) Glass
c) Water (pure)
d) Copper
Answer: d) Copper
What happens to the resistance of a conductor when its temperature increases?
a) It decreases
b) It stays the same
c) It increases
d) It becomes zero
Answer: c) It increases