Insulator
What is Insulator?
An electrical insulator is a material that strongly resists the flow of electric current due to the absence of free charge carriers, typically having a large band gap between the valence and conduction bands (greater than ~3 eV). Common insulators include rubber, glass, ceramics, and many plastics. Thermal insulators similarly resist the flow of heat energy and are distinct from electrical insulators, though many materials exhibit both properties.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
An electrical insulator is a material that strongly resists the flow of electric current due to the absence of free charge carriers, typically having a large band gap between the valence and conduction bands (greater than ~3 eV). Common insulators include rubber, glass, ceramics, and many plastics. Thermal insulators similarly resist the flow of heat energy and are distinct from electrical insulators, though many materials exhibit both properties.