Conductors and Insulators

What does it mean?

• Conductors allow charge (electrons) to flow through them freely

• Insulators DO NOT allow charge (electrons) to flow through them freely

It’s a Gradient!strong

conductorstrong

insulator

Water: A Special Case• Pure water is a good insulator• But if ions are present….

Good Conductor

Insulator

Metallic Balloonconductor

Rubber Ballooninsulator