Back
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

conductor

Definition

A conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow through it easily.

The ability of a material to conduct electricity is called conductivity.

The conductivity of a material depends on the number of free electrons it has.

Materials with a high number of free electrons, such as metals, are good conductors.

Materials with a low number of free electrons, such as insulators, are poor conductors.

How can the word be used?

A conductor allows heat or electricity to flow through it easily.

conductor

Different forms of the word

Noun:

Conductor: A person who leads an orchestra, choir, or other musical group.

Conductor: A substance that allows heat or electricity to flow through it easily.

Conductor: A person who is responsible for the safety of passengers on a train or other public transportation system.

Adjective:

Conductive: Able to conduct heat or electricity.

Verb:

To conduct: To lead an orchestra, choir, or other musical group.

To conduct: To allow heat or electricity to flow through.

Etymology

The word "conductor" comes from the Latin word "conductor", which means "leader". It is made up of the prefix "con-", which means "together", and the verb "ducere", which means "to lead".

Question

What materials are good conductors?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define a "conductor" in the context of electricity and provide an example of a common electrical conductor.

Answer:

In the context of electricity, a "conductor" is a material that allows the flow of electric current through it with ease. This is due to the presence of loosely bound electrons that are free to move within the material, facilitating the transfer of electric charge.

An example of a common electrical conductor is copper. Copper is widely used in electrical wiring due to its high conductivity. When a voltage is applied across a copper wire, the free electrons within the copper atoms move in response to the electric field, creating an electric current that can be used to power various electrical devices and appliances. Other examples of conductors include aluminium, silver, and gold.

In summary, a conductor is a material that enables the easy flow of electric current due to the presence of freely movable electrons. Copper is a widely used example of a conductor in electrical wiring and other electrical applications.