Electrical Conductors - Types, Examples, Properties, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:58 PM IST

Have you ever thought about why it is always suggested that you wear rubber slippers while handling electric circuits? The answer to this question would be because it is a Conductor. Conductors are the materials that allow easy flow of heat and electric current to pass through them. In this article, we will discuss about conductor. In this topic, we’ll discuss various conductors including metallic, non-metallic, and superconductors. We will also be seeing about the properties which make conductors suitable to use in certain cases.

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What is Conductor?
Types of Conductor
Properties of Conductor
Test Your Knowledge

Electrical Conductors - Types, Examples, Properties, FAQs

What is Conductor?

An electrical conductor is a substance that allows the heat and Electric Current to pass through it easily. Atoms in conductors are arranged in the manner that it easily allows the outer electrons to move freely from one atom to another, which helps in creating the path of electric current and heat movement.

Conductors are majorly used in systems where transfer of energy is needed like electric wiring and electric circuits.

Examples-
Copper is a good conductor of electricity, Aluminium, and Salt water, are some other examples of conductors.

Also read -

Types of Conductor

Conductors are classified into different types based on their properties and uses. Some majorly used types are discussed below:

1. Metallic Conductor: These are the materials in which the flow of electricity is carried by the electrons which are found within the metal. Commonly used in electrical wiring, and circuits.

Examples of Metallic Conductor of Electricity- Copper, Silver, Aluminum and Gold.

2. Non-metallic Conductor: These are substances of low conductivity and of non-metallic nature in which the electric current is conducted through ions or ions and free electrons. Used in specialized electronic applications and battery technologies.

Example- Graphite and conductive polymers.

3. Ionic Conductor (Electrolytes): Electricity flows in this type of conductor with the help of movement of ions, when melted or dissolved in water. Present in batteries, electrolysis processes and biological systems.

Example- Saltwater, molten sodium chloride, and various electrolyte solutions.

4. Superconductors: These are the materials which conduct electricity without resistance when it cool down at a very low temperature. Utilized in MRI machines, particle accelerators and other high-tech applications where energy loss must be minimized.

Example- Certain alloys and ceramics, like niobium-titanium (NbTi) or yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO).

5. Semiconductors: These materials have a property of electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators. It can be adjusted by doping (adding impurities) or by applying voltage, heat, or light. Common in electronics and used in the construction of transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.

Example- Silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide.

Let's look at some more types of conductors in brief:

Perfect conductors: Perfect conductor has zero resistance and requires a constant magnetic flux. The magnetic field in an ideal conductor is zero or non-zero.

Good Conductor: Good Conductors are materials through which electricity or heat flows freely. This is because it has free electrons that are able to move around, and do carry energy with them all the time.

Properties of Conductor

The conductors have their unique characteristics which qualify them to transmit electricity or heat current. Here are the key properties:

High Electrical Conductivity: Atoms in conductors are arranged in a way that it allows free movement of electrons which helps in conducting electricity easily.
Ductility and Malleability: Most of the conductors like the metals are mostly ductile and malleable, they are easily shaped into wires or even beaten without snapping. These make them suitable for wiring uses as well as industrial purposes.
Shiny or Metallic Luster: The shiny appearance of many conductors is due to the fact that they reflect light. This is because free electrons can absorb and re-emit photons.
Positive Temperature Coefficient of Resistance: Most of the metallic conductors exhibit a positive temperature coefficient of resistance which means that when they are heated they become slightly less conductive.
Ability to Allow Free Electron Flow: Conductors possess free electrons in metals and in electrolytes, they have free ions that will flow an electric current.

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Are Conductors Magnetic Substances?

All conductors of electricity are not magnetic substances. Some of the electric conductors like iron, nickel, cobalt, etc. are made up of magnetic substances, they are ferromagnetic. But some of the electrical conductors like gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc. are not attracted by magnets. So we can say all conductors of electricity are not magnetic substances.

How Electric Current Flows in Metallic Conductor?

We know that metal is made up of atoms. Every atom has a negative charge particle known as an electron. When we apply an electric field to the metallic conductor ( copper, silver, aluminum, etc, ) then the flow of (electrons) electric charge in a metallic conductor and current starts to flow.

What is the best conductor of electricity?

Best electricity conductors are those who conduct electricity easily. The best conductors of electricity are copper, aluminum, iron, gold, silver, and, mercury, etc,. Let's understand the properties of copper, good conductor of electricity in detail.

Copper: Copper was the most preferred material in earlier days but due to its high cost, it is replaced by aluminum. Because aluminum is cheaper than copper and it also has a lower weight. Some of the Properties of Copper are discussed below.

It has high conductivity and greater tensile strength.
Copper is non-magnetic metal and has good physical, chemical, and electrical properties.
Copper has free electrons in its outer orbital shell due to this it is the best conductor of electricity.
Copper can easily be soldered and welded.
Copper is durable and has a high scrap value, but because of its high cost and non-availability copper is rarely utilized in transmission lines.

Test Your Knowledge

1- Among the materials which is a good conductor of electricity?

I) Plastic

II) Mica

III) Glass

IV) Copper

Answer-

copper

2- Metals are conductors of electricity. (True/False)

Answer-

True

3- Which of the following sentence is/are correct?

i) Copper is an insulator

ii) Copper is a Conductor

iii) Wood is a good Conductor of electricity.

Answer-

Only i) is correct

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the conductivity of superconductors?

The conductivity of the superconductor is infinite because there is no resistance in the superconductor so current can easily flow.

2. Name the conductor who is more conductive than copper.

Silver is more conductive than copper.

3. Give five names of conductors and insulators.

conductors:-Coppe, silver, gold, iron, and aluminum.

Insulators: -Plastic, Wood, rubber, glass, and mica.

4. Is plastic is a good conductor of electricity?

No, plastic is a bad conductor of electricity.

5. Why human body is a good conductor of electricity?

The human body is made up of 70% of water and water consists of ions like Na+, K+, and Cl- these ions conduct electricity. So the human body is a good conductor of electricity.

6. Why are metals generally good conductors of electricity?

Metals are good conductors because they have a crystal lattice structure with delocalized electrons. These "free" electrons can move easily through the metal when an electric field is applied, allowing for the flow of electric current.

7. What is the best electrical conductor?

Silver is the best electrical conductor among all elements. It has the lowest electrical resistivity. However, due to its high cost, copper is more commonly used in electrical applications as it offers excellent conductivity at a lower price.

8. How does temperature affect the conductivity of metals?

In general, as temperature increases, the conductivity of metals decreases. This is because higher temperatures cause more vibrations in the metal's crystal lattice, which increases collisions between electrons and atoms, impeding the flow of current.

9. What is superconductivity?

Superconductivity is a phenomenon where certain materials, when cooled below a critical temperature, conduct electricity with zero resistance. This allows for the flow of electric current without any energy loss, which has significant implications for energy efficiency and advanced technologies.

10. Why is copper widely used in electrical wiring?

Copper is widely used in electrical wiring because it combines excellent conductivity with other beneficial properties. It's relatively inexpensive compared to silver, has good ductility (can be drawn into wires), resists corrosion, and has a high melting point, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

11. How do semiconductors differ from conductors?

Semiconductors have electrical conductivity between that of conductors and insulators. Unlike conductors, their conductivity can be controlled by introducing impurities (doping) or applying external fields. This property makes semiconductors crucial for electronic devices like transistors and diodes.

12. Can water conduct electricity?

Pure water is actually a poor conductor of electricity. However, water we encounter in daily life usually contains dissolved minerals and impurities, which make it conductive. It's these dissolved ions that allow water to conduct electricity, not the H2O molecules themselves.

13. Can plastics conduct electricity?

Most plastics are insulators and do not conduct electricity. However, some specially designed conductive plastics exist. These are usually created by adding conductive materials like carbon or metal particles to the plastic, or through chemical modifications that allow for electron movement within the plastic structure.

14. Can gases conduct electricity?

Under normal conditions, gases are poor conductors of electricity because their atoms or molecules are far apart and electrons are tightly bound. However, gases can become conductive under certain conditions, such as high voltage (causing ionization) or high temperature (creating a plasma state).

15. What is the difference between electrical and thermal conductivity?

Electrical conductivity refers to a material's ability to conduct electric current, while thermal conductivity is its ability to conduct heat. Although many good electrical conductors are also good thermal conductors (like metals), the two properties are not always directly related. For example, diamond is an excellent thermal conductor but a poor electrical conductor.

16. What is an electrical conductor?

An electrical conductor is a material that allows electric current to flow easily through it. These materials have a large number of free electrons that can move freely within the material, enabling the flow of electricity. Common examples include metals like copper, aluminum, and gold.

17. How do conductors differ from insulators?

Conductors allow electric current to flow easily, while insulators resist the flow of electricity. The main difference lies in their atomic structure: conductors have loosely bound outer electrons that can move freely, whereas insulators have tightly bound electrons that cannot move easily.

18. How does the atomic structure of a material determine its conductivity?

The atomic structure determines conductivity by influencing the availability and mobility of charge carriers (usually electrons). Materials with loosely bound outer electrons (like metals) are good conductors. Those with tightly bound electrons or few free electrons (like insulators) are poor conductors.

19. What is electrical resistivity, and how does it relate to conductivity?

Electrical resistivity is a measure of how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current. It's the inverse of conductivity – materials with low resistivity are good conductors, while those with high resistivity are poor conductors or insulators.

20. What is the role of free electrons in electrical conduction?

Free electrons are crucial for electrical conduction in metals. These are electrons in the outermost shell of atoms that are loosely bound and can move freely within the material. When an electric field is applied, these free electrons move in a directed manner, creating an electric current.

21. What is the role of phonons in electrical conductivity?

Phonons are quantized vibrations in a crystal lattice. While they don't directly carry electric charge, phonons can interact with electrons, affecting their movement. In metals, phonon-electron interactions typically increase with temperature, leading to increased resistance and decreased conductivity at higher temperatures.

22. How does pressure affect the electrical conductivity of materials?

Generally, increasing pressure tends to increase the electrical conductivity of materials. This is because higher pressure typically reduces the interatomic distances, which can lead to greater overlap of electron orbitals and easier electron movement. However, the exact effect can vary depending on the specific material and its structure.

23. How do surface effects influence the conductivity of nanomaterials?

In nanomaterials, a large proportion of atoms are at the surface, which can significantly affect conductivity. Surface effects can include increased electron scattering, changes in electronic structure, and interactions with the environment. These effects can either enhance or reduce conductivity compared to bulk materials.

24. What is the difference between conductors and superconductors?

Conductors have some resistance to electric current flow, resulting in energy loss as heat. Superconductors, when below their critical temperature, have zero resistance and can conduct electricity without any energy loss. This makes superconductors much more efficient for carrying electric current.

25. How do alloys affect electrical conductivity?

Alloys generally have lower electrical conductivity than pure metals. This is because the mixture of different atoms in alloys creates irregularities in the crystal structure, which increases electron scattering and reduces conductivity. However, alloying can improve other properties like strength or corrosion resistance.

26. What is the skin effect in electrical conductors?

The skin effect is a phenomenon where alternating current tends to flow near the surface of a conductor rather than through its core. This effect becomes more pronounced at higher frequencies and can effectively reduce the usable cross-sectional area of the conductor, increasing its apparent resistance.

27. How does the cross-sectional area of a conductor affect its conductivity?

The cross-sectional area of a conductor is directly proportional to its conductivity. A larger cross-sectional area provides more space for electrons to flow, reducing resistance. This is why thicker wires can carry more current than thinner ones of the same material.

28. What are electrolytes, and how do they conduct electricity?

Electrolytes are solutions that conduct electricity through the movement of ions. When dissolved in a solvent (usually water), these substances dissociate into positively and negatively charged ions. These ions can move through the solution, carrying electric charge and thus conducting electricity.

29. How do carbon-based materials like graphite conduct electricity?

Graphite, unlike most non-metallic materials, can conduct electricity due to its layered structure. Each layer (called graphene) has delocalized electrons that can move freely within the plane. This allows graphite to conduct electricity along its layers, though it's less conductive perpendicular to these layers.

30. What is the Hall effect, and how does it relate to electrical conductivity?

The Hall effect is a phenomenon where a voltage difference develops across an electrical conductor transverse to an electric current and a magnetic field perpendicular to the current. This effect is used to study the nature of charge carriers in materials and can provide information about a material's conductivity.

31. How does doping affect the conductivity of semiconductors?

Doping is the process of adding impurities to a semiconductor to modify its electrical properties. N-type doping adds electrons, increasing conductivity, while p-type doping creates "holes" (absence of electrons), also increasing conductivity. This ability to control conductivity makes semiconductors crucial for electronic devices.

32. What is electrical conductance, and how does it differ from conductivity?

Electrical conductance is a measure of how easily electricity flows through a specific object, while conductivity is a property of the material itself. Conductance depends on both the material's conductivity and the object's dimensions, while conductivity is independent of size or shape.

33. How do ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in solution?

Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or in solution because their ions are free to move. In solid form, the ions are fixed in place and can't carry charge. When melted or dissolved, the ions become mobile and can carry electric current by moving towards the oppositely charged electrode.

34. What is the relationship between electrical conductivity and the periodic table?

Generally, electrical conductivity increases as you move left to right across the periodic table (excluding noble gases) and decreases as you move down a group. This trend is related to the number and arrangement of valence electrons, which affect how easily electrons can move within the material.

35. How does quantum mechanics explain electrical conductivity in metals?

Quantum mechanics explains conductivity in metals through the concept of energy bands. In metals, the valence and conduction bands overlap, allowing electrons to easily move to higher energy states. This creates a "sea" of delocalized electrons that can freely move through the metal, enabling conductivity.

36. What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors?

Intrinsic semiconductors are pure semiconductors without any added impurities. Their conductivity is determined by their inherent properties. Extrinsic semiconductors are doped with impurities to modify their conductivity. The added impurities create extra electrons (n-type) or holes (p-type), increasing conductivity.

37. How does the band gap affect a material's electrical conductivity?

The band gap is the energy difference between the valence band and conduction band in a material. Materials with small or no band gaps (like metals) are good conductors because electrons can easily move to the conduction band. Large band gaps (as in insulators) make it difficult for electrons to reach the conduction band, resulting in poor conductivity.

38. How do nanostructures affect the electrical properties of materials?

Nanostructures can significantly alter a material's electrical properties. At the nanoscale, quantum effects become more prominent, and the increased surface area-to-volume ratio can lead to unique conductivity characteristics. This can result in materials with tailored or enhanced electrical properties compared to their bulk counterparts.

39. What is the Wiedemann-Franz law, and what does it tell us about conductors?

The Wiedemann-Franz law states that the ratio of thermal conductivity to electrical conductivity is approximately constant for most metals at a given temperature. This law highlights the relationship between thermal and electrical conduction in metals, both of which are primarily carried out by free electrons.

40. What is the role of crystal structure in determining electrical conductivity?

Crystal structure plays a crucial role in determining electrical conductivity. Materials with structures that allow for easy electron movement (like the closely packed atoms in metals) tend to be good conductors. Structures with strong covalent bonds or large gaps between atoms (like in many insulators) tend to impede electron flow.

41. How do magnetic fields affect the conductivity of materials?

Magnetic fields can affect conductivity through various mechanisms. In some materials, a strong magnetic field can alter the path of moving electrons (magnetoresistance). In others, it can affect the spin of electrons, leading to phenomena like the quantum Hall effect. These effects are particularly important in the field of spintronics.

42. What is the difference between ohmic and non-ohmic conductors?

Ohmic conductors follow Ohm's law, meaning their current is directly proportional to the applied voltage, and their resistance remains constant. Non-ohmic conductors do not follow this relationship; their resistance may change with current or voltage. Many semiconductors and some other materials exhibit non-ohmic behavior.

43. How does anisotropy affect electrical conductivity in some materials?

Anisotropy in electrical conductivity means that a material's conductivity varies depending on the direction of current flow. This is common in materials with layered or directional structures, like graphite or certain crystals. Understanding anisotropy is important in designing and using materials for specific electrical applications.

44. What is the role of electron mobility in electrical conductivity?

Electron mobility refers to how easily electrons can move through a material when an electric field is applied. Higher mobility generally leads to better conductivity. Factors affecting mobility include the material's crystal structure, impurities, temperature, and applied electric field strength.

45. What is the relationship between electrical conductivity and optical properties?

There's often a correlation between a material's electrical conductivity and its optical properties. Good electrical conductors like metals tend to be opaque and reflective to visible light, as free electrons can easily interact with and reflect incoming photons. Poor conductors or insulators are often transparent, as they lack free electrons to interact with light.

46. How does the concept of mean free path relate to electrical conductivity?

The mean free path is the average distance an electron travels between collisions in a conductor. A longer mean free path generally results in higher conductivity, as electrons can move more freely. Factors that reduce the mean free path, like impurities or lattice vibrations, tend to decrease conductivity.

47. What is the Drude model of electrical conduction, and what are its limitations?

The Drude model describes electrical conduction in metals by treating electrons as a gas of freely moving particles. While it successfully explains many aspects of conductivity, it has limitations. It doesn't account for quantum mechanical effects, electron-electron interactions, or the detailed band structure of materials.

48. How do amorphous conductors differ from crystalline conductors?

Amorphous conductors lack the long-range order found in crystalline materials. This disorder typically results in lower conductivity compared to their crystalline counterparts, as the irregular structure increases electron scattering. However, some amorphous materials, like certain metallic glasses, can still be good conductors.

49. What is the role of dimensionality in electrical conduction?

Dimensionality refers to the number of dimensions in which charge carriers can move freely. 3D bulk materials, 2D sheets (like graphene), 1D nanowires, and 0D quantum dots each have unique conduction properties. Reduced dimensionality can lead to quantum confinement effects, altering electronic and conductive properties.

50. How do topological insulators conduct electricity?

Topological insulators are materials that are insulators in their bulk but conduct electricity on their surface. This unique behavior arises from their electronic band structure, which forces the existence of conducting surface states. These materials combine properties of both insulators and conductors in a single material.

51. What is the Kondo effect, and how does it impact conductivity?

The Kondo effect is a phenomenon where at low temperatures, magnetic impurities in a metal can cause an increase in electrical resistance. This occurs due to the interaction between the magnetic moments of the impurities and the conduction electrons, leading to complex scattering processes that affect conductivity.

52. How does the Fermi level relate to electrical conductivity?

The Fermi level is the highest occupied energy level in a material at absolute zero temperature. Its position relative to the conduction and valence bands is crucial in determining a material's conductivity. In metals, the Fermi level lies within a band, allowing for easy electron excitation and high conductivity.

53. What is ballistic conduction, and when does it occur?

Ballistic conduction occurs when electrons travel through a material without scattering. This happens in very pure materials or at very small scales where the device dimensions are smaller than the electron mean free path. Ballistic conduction can lead to very high conductivity and is important in nanoelectronics.

54. How do charge density waves affect electrical conductivity?

Charge density waves are periodic modulations of electron density in certain materials. They can significantly affect conductivity, often leading to a decrease as they can 'pin' electrons, reducing their mobility. Understanding charge density waves is important in the study of certain types of superconductors and other exotic electronic materials.

55. What is the difference between bulk and surface conductivity?

Bulk conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct electricity throughout its entire volume, while surface conductivity relates to conduction along the surface of a material. In some materials, especially at the nanoscale or in certain classes of materials like topological insulators, surface conductivity can be significantly different from bulk conductivity, leading to unique electrical properties.