Lesson 3: Conductors and Insulators

2/18/15

Conductors and insulators affect the ability of heat

to transfer between objects or substances.

A conductor is a material that transmits energy.

Heat can pass easily through a conductor.

Examples of conductors of heat:

Aluminum

Copper

Silver

An insulator is a material that prevents the flow of

energy. Heat cannot pass easily

through an insulator.

Examples of insulating materials:

WoodPlastic

Styrofoam

Rubber

In most cases, metals make the best conductors of heat. Plastic and wood are good

insulators.

Discovery Education Video:Conductors and Insulators

This clip discusses conductors by using a heated steel rod with wax holding tacks as an example. As the rod is

heated on one end by a burner, the heat is spread throughout the rod as molecules excite the molecules

next to them. Poor conductors are known as insulators.

Discovery Education Video:Thermal Conductance

Conduction is the only way thermal energy transfers in a solid. Conduction properties of solids vary; properties

of conductors and insulators are presented.

Key Questions:1. What is the difference between conductors and insulators?

2. What types of material make good conductors of heat? Give examples you have seen of these materials used to conduct heat.

3. What type of materials make good insulators? Give examples you have seen of these insulating materials used.