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A pair of scissors could be used to complete an electrical circuit.

Electrical Conductors and Insulators

Electricity powers our world, from tiny circuits to huge power grids. Learn how it flows, why it sparks, and the science that keeps everything switched on.

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Fascinating Fact:

Normally, air blocks electricity. But when the voltage is high enough, it can break through – that’s how lightning happens!

In KS2 Science, students explore electricity and its effects. This includes circuits, conductors, insulators, and the powerful forces behind natural events like lightning strikes.

Key Terms

Voltage: The electrical force that pushes current through a circuit.
Conductor: A material that allows electricity to flow easily, like copper.
Insulator: A material that resists electricity, like rubber or glass.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between voltage and current?

Voltage is the force that pushes electricity through a circuit, while current is the actual flow of electric charge through the wires.

Why does lightning happen?

Lightning happens when electrical charge builds up in storm clouds. When the voltage is strong enough, it overcomes air resistance and discharges as a bright spark.

What materials are good conductors of electricity?

Metals like copper, silver, and aluminium are excellent conductors of electricity because they allow charges to move freely through them.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Which of these is a good electrical conductor?

Water

Sweat

The human body

All of the above

Electricity passes easily though anything wet, such as sweaty hands, and also through the human body. This is why it is so important to NEVER touch a live lead and to always be careful when using electrical objects. Never touch anything electric when you have damp hands

2 .

Which of these is not an electrical insulator?

Wood

Plastic

Silver

Glass

Silver, like other metals, is not a good electrical insulator. In fact, silver is the best electrical conductor. Because of its expense, it is not used as often as copper

3 .

A material which is an electrical conductor does what?

It does not allow electricity to pass through it easily

It does not allow heat to travel through it easily

It allows heat to travel through it easily

It allows electricity to pass through it easily

Conductors are used to transfer electricity from one place to another, for example in a circuit

4 .

Why are insulators important in an electrical circuit?

They make the circuit safe to touch

Electricity will only flow through insulators

Light bulbs and buzzers are only made of insulating materials

All of the above

Insulating materials protect us (and other living organisms) from electrical currents and they also protect the circuit from damage or interference

5 .

A material which is an electrical insulator does what?

It does not allow electricity to pass through it easily

It does not allow heat to travel through it easily

It allows heat to travel through it easily

It allows electricity to pass through it easily

Insulators are used to prevent electricity from passing through

6 .

Which of these could be used to complete an electrical circuit?

A piece of gravel

A rubber

A crayon

A pair of scissors

Scissors are made of metal and all metals can conduct electricity

7 .

The filament in a light bulb glows because of the material's resistance. What does this mean?

The filament does not allow the flow of electricity

The filament speeds up the flow of electricity

The filament slows down the flow of electricity

The filament gets annoyed with the electricity

Resistivity is a measure of how well materials conduct electricity - less resistance means greater conductivity

8 .

Why are electrical plugs made of plastic?

Plastic is stronger than all other materials

Plastic is a good electrical conductor

Plastic protects people from electricity

Only plastic can be made into the right shape for a plug

Plastic is an electrical insulator. If plugs weren't made of plastic (or another insulator), it would be impossible to touch the plug without receiving an extremely dangerous electric shock

9 .

In a complete electrical circuit, which materials does electricity flow through?

Electrical insulators

Electrical conductors

Only leads or wires

Only batteries

Every component (part) of a complete electrical circuit must include a material which conducts electricity

10 .

Which of these is not an electrical conductor?

Gold

Copper

Aluminium