Difference between Conductors and Insulators

In this article, we will discuss the important differences between conductors and insulators, i.e. Conductors vs Insulators. Both conductors and insulators are widely used in electrical and electronic circuits. The main difference between a conductor and an insulator is that conductor allows the flow of electricity through it, while an insulator restricts the flow of electricity through it.

What is a Conductor?

A type of electric material that allows the flow of electric current through it easily is called a conductor. Conductors have a large number of free electrons that can move freely through the body of the conductor material. When an electric voltage is applied across the conductor, it pushes the free electrons to move from negative potential to positive potential and hence results in an electric current flowing from the positive to the negative potential terminal.

All the metals like copper, silver, aluminium, etc. are examples of conductors. Silver is the best conductor of electricity. Overall, conductors are materials that have high electrical conductivity and low electrical resistance.

In electrical and electronics, conductors are used for making electric wires and cables, electric terminals, etc. for carrying electric current from one point to another.

What is an Insulator?

An engineering material that restricts the electric current to flow through it is called an insulator. Therefore, insulators are materials that have low electrical conductivity and high electrical resistance. Insulators do not allow the flow of electric current through them because they do not have free electrons. Therefore, when an electric voltage is applied to it, there is no movement of electrons and hence no current flow.

Rubber, plastic, air, glass, paper, etc. are common examples of insulators. Insulators are used in electric and electronic circuits to prevent leakage of electric current from the conductor to prevent electric shock. Insulators are also used in electric transmission lines to separate line conductors from one another to reduce the risk of electrical hazards.

Now, let us discuss the differences between conductors and insulators.

Difference between Conductors and Insulators

The important differences between conductors and insulators are listed in the following table:

Basis of Comparison	Conductor	Insulator
Definition	A type of material that allows electric current to flow through it easily is called a conductor.	A type of material that restricts the electric current to flow through it is called an insulator.
Free electrons	Conductors have a large volume of free electrons.	Insulators do not have free electrons.
Electrical resistance & resistivity	Conductors have low electrical resistance and resistivity.	Insulators have high electrical resistance and resistivity.
Electrical conductance & conductivity	Conductors have high conductance and conductivity.	Insulators have low conductance and conductivity.
Valance electrons	Conductors have less than 4 valance electrons.	Insulators have greater than 4 valance electrons.
Energy band gap	Conductors have no energy band gap.	Insulators have a very large energy band gap.
Temperature coefficient of resistance	The temperature coefficient of resistance for conductors is positive. Thus, the resistance of conductors increases with the rise in temperature.	The temperature coefficient of resistance for insulators is negative. Thus, the resistance of insulators decreases with the rise in temperature.
Conduction band	In conductors, the conduction band is completely filled with electrons.	In insulators, the conductor band remains empty.
Valance band	In conductors, the valance band remains empty.	In insulators, the valance band is completely filled with electrons.
Capacitance	The capacitance on the surface of a conductor remains the same at all points.	The capacitance in an insulator remains zero.
Dielectric strength	Conductors have very low dielectric strength.	Insulators have very high dielectric strength.
Contact resistance	The contact resistance of conductors is low.	The contact resistance of insulators is high.
Thermal conductivity	Conductors have high thermal conductivity, i.e. allow heat flow.	Insulators have low thermal conductivity.
Behavior at 0 Kelvin	Conductors act like a superconductor at zero kelvin.	Insulators act like perfect insulators at zero kelvin.
Type of bonding	Conductors have metallic bonding.	Insulators have ionic bonding.
Examples	Silver, copper, aluminum, and other metals are examples of conductors.	Air, glass, plastic, rubber, PVC, wood, etc. are examples of insulators.
Applications	Conductors are used for making electric wires, cables, terminals, etc.	Insulators are used for making electrical safety equipment, line insulators, wire coatings, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is all about the important differences between conductors and insulators. Both conductors and insulators are significant materials used in electrical and electronics.