Year 5 Conductors, Insulators & Irreversible Changes

What is a conductor?

• A material that blocks electricity

• A type of vehicle

• A material that allows electricity to flow through it

• A type of musical instrument

Answer explanation

A conductor is defined as a material that allows electricity to flow through it, making it essential for electrical circuits. The other options do not accurately describe what a conductor is.

What is an insulator?

• A material that blocks electricity

• A type of vehicle

• A material that allows electricity to flow through it

• A type of musical instrument

Answer explanation

An insulator is a material that blocks electricity, preventing the flow of electric current. This is crucial in electrical applications to ensure safety and efficiency.

Which of the following is a good conductor?

• Plastic

• Wood

• Copper

• Rubber

Answer explanation

Copper is a good conductor of electricity due to its high electrical conductivity. In contrast, plastic, wood, and rubber are insulators, meaning they do not conduct electricity well.

Which of the following is a good insulator?

• Water

• Copper

• Glass

• Metal

Answer explanation

Glass is a good insulator because it does not conduct electricity or heat well, unlike metals like copper, which are excellent conductors. Water is also a conductor, making glass the correct choice.

What happens when electricity flows through a conductor?

• It flows easily

• It stops completely

• It gets blocked

• It changes color

Answer explanation

When electricity flows through a conductor, it encounters little resistance, allowing it to flow easily. This is why conductors like copper are used in electrical wiring.

Which material is often used to cover electrical wires?

• Wood

• Glass

• Plastic

• Metal

Answer explanation

Plastic is commonly used to cover electrical wires because it is an excellent insulator, protecting against electrical shock and preventing short circuits. Other materials like wood and glass are not suitable for this purpose.

Why are insulators important in electrical circuits?

• They make electricity flow faster

• They prevent electricity from flowing where it shouldn't

• They make electricity louder

• They change the color of electricity

Answer explanation

Insulators are crucial in electrical circuits because they prevent electricity from flowing where it shouldn't, ensuring safety and proper functioning of the circuit.

Which of these is NOT a conductor?

• Aluminum

• Rubber

• Silver

• Gold

Answer explanation

Rubber is an insulator, meaning it does not conduct electricity well. In contrast, aluminum, silver, and gold are all excellent conductors of electricity.

Which of these is NOT an insulator?

• Wood

• Iron

• Glass

• Plastic

Answer explanation

Iron is a conductor of electricity and heat, making it NOT an insulator. In contrast, wood, glass, and plastic are all materials that resist the flow of electricity, classifying them as insulators.

What is the main purpose of a conductor?

• To make electricity disappear

• To allow electricity to flow

• To block electricity

• To change electricity into light

Answer explanation

The main purpose of a conductor is to allow electricity to flow through it. Conductors, such as metals, facilitate the movement of electric charge, making them essential for electrical circuits.