Science Common Sense

333 - How do electric currents flow through materials?

Imagine you have water flowing through a hose. The water is like the electricity, and the hose is like the material. Just like how water flows easily through a wide, open hose, electricity flows easily through some materials. This is called a 'conductor'. Examples of conductors include copper wire, metal, and even some liquids.

Now, imagine the hose has holes and knots in it. The water won't flow easily, right? This is like a 'non-conductor' or 'insulator'. Examples of non-conductors include plastic, rubber, and wood. Electricity doesn't flow easily through these materials.

Finally, imagine a hose that's a little bit clogged, but water can still get through. This is like a 'semiconductor'. It's not as good at carrying electricity as a conductor, but it's better than a non-conductor.

So, to sum it up, electricity flows easily through conductors, not easily through non-conductors, and a little bit through semiconductors.