Is plastic a good conductor or an insulator?

Is plastic a good conductor or an insulator?

• A. Conductor
• B. Insulator
• C. Semi-conductor
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Conduction depends on how easily charges can move through a material. Plastics have electrons that are tightly bound in their molecular structure and there are few free charge carriers to carry current, so they resist the flow of electricity. That makes plastic an insulator in everyday use, which is why it's used to coat and protect electrical components. Metals conduct well because they have many free electrons, semiconductors conduct under certain conditions, and there are specialized conductive plastics with additives—but typical plastic acts as an insulator.

Conduction depends on how easily charges can move through a material. Plastics have electrons that are tightly bound in their molecular structure and there are few free charge carriers to carry current, so they resist the flow of electricity. That makes plastic an insulator in everyday use, which is why it's used to coat and protect electrical components. Metals conduct well because they have many free electrons, semiconductors conduct under certain conditions, and there are specialized conductive plastics with additives—but typical plastic acts as an insulator.