09 elec 03
- 2. Insulators and Conductors Insulators An electrical insulator is a substance in which electrons cannot move freely from surface to surface. Electricians wear safety clothing with thick layers of insulating material to avoid electrocution. 2
- 3. Insulators and Conductors Insulators The charge on the surface of an insulator stays until it is grounded or neutralized. 3
- 4. Holding a charge 4
- 5. Insulators and Conductors Insulators A positive or a negative charge can build up on an insulator. 5
- 6. Insulators and Conductors Conductors An electrical conductor is a substance in which electrons move freely throughout. 6
- 7. Insulators and Conductors Conductors Solid conductors are usually metals. Most aqueous solutions are conductors. 7
- 8. Freely moving charge 8
- 9. Insulators and Conductors Why do we get more static shocks in the winter than in the summer? 9
- 10. Insulators and Conductors Because winter air is dryer than in the summer and dry air is an insulator. 10
- 11. Insulators and Conductors So the winter air does not remove any of the charges our bodies pick up. 11
- 12. Insulators and Conductors Then when we touch another conductor (like a doorknob) we receive a shock as electrons pass through our hand and the doorknob. 12
- 13. Insulators and Conductors 13