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Question:

Insulators and Conductors questions. Help. 10 Points Each.?

1 explain the difference btween a conductor and an insulator in terms of the transfer of electrons. Why are problems with static electricity common in winter than at other times of the year? How could any of these problems be reduced?Why is cleaning dusting more difficult in winter?List at least 2 reason why you think plastic materials are used to cover the copper wires in electrical equipment.

Answer:

1. In a conductor, electrons transfer easily from atom to atom. In an insulator, it is extremely hard to cause electrons to shift atom to atom. (edit) This means an electrical current cannot flow in an insulator, as electrons must move in a conductor. (end edit). 2. In winter, the air contains less moisture. Therefore static charges will not dissipate as quickly as they will in moist air, and are more easily generated. 3. For the above reason, moving dust particals can easily induce a charge in them, which will be of opposite polarity to the surface. They can be attracted back to the surface. Using a slightly moist cloth can help when dusting in winter. 4. Plastics etc. are electrical insulators. Plastic insulation is very easy to apply to a conductor by extrusion around the conductor, in a plastic extrusion machine. The material is heated to a suitable plastic constituency. Plastic insulations are NOT used in extreme heat or cold situations for conductors. If you live in the US, you will see lots of rubber insulated power leads, as plastics can get more brittle and fracture in cold conditions. Plasticity is the state between solid and liquid, which is where all plastics are worked. In fact, many materials other than plastics can be worked in a plastic state, even metals!

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