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

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

• A. Insulator
• B. Conductor
• C. Transformer
• D. Resistor

Answer: (A)

An insulator is a material with very high resistance to electric current, so it limits or stops the flow of electrons. This comes from electrons being tightly bound to atoms and not free to move, so when voltage is applied only a tiny leakage occurs. Insulators like rubber, plastic, glass, and ceramic are used to coat or separate conductive parts to prevent short circuits and protect people. A conductor, by contrast, allows current to flow easily; a resistor is a component with a designed resistance that still conducts to some extent; and a transformer is a device used to transfer energy between circuits, not a material property that blocks current. So the term for a material that prevents the flow of electricity is insulator.

An insulator is a material with very high resistance to electric current, so it limits or stops the flow of electrons. This comes from electrons being tightly bound to atoms and not free to move, so when voltage is applied only a tiny leakage occurs. Insulators like rubber, plastic, glass, and ceramic are used to coat or separate conductive parts to prevent short circuits and protect people. A conductor, by contrast, allows current to flow easily; a resistor is a component with a designed resistance that still conducts to some extent; and a transformer is a device used to transfer energy between circuits, not a material property that blocks current. So the term for a material that prevents the flow of electricity is insulator.