10 May 2019

Difference between conductor and insulator

One of the major difference between the conductor and insulator is that the conductor allows the energy to pass through it, whereas the insulator does not allow the energy to pass through it. Here this article gives information about the difference between conductor and insulator to better understand this topic.

Definition:

Conductor: Conductor is a material which permits the electric current or heat to pass through it.
Insulator: Insulator was restricted the electric current or heat to pass through it.


Difference between conductor and insulator
Difference between conductor and insulator

The main key difference between conductor and insulator are listed below:
  • In the electric field,  the conductor exists on the surface but remain zero inside the conductor, Insulator does not exist on insulator.
  • Potential remains same at all the point on the conductor, insulator potential remains zero.
  • In magnetic field conductor store the energy, while insulator, not stores energy.
  • In conductor thermal conductivity is high,  while using insulator thermal conductivity is low.
  • Conductivity remains very high while using the conductor compared to the insulator.
  • A covalent bond is weak, while the insulator covalent bond is strong.
  • Resistance is very low in conductor compared to the insulator,
  • Electrons freely move in a conductor, while insulator electrons do not move freely.
  • Resistivity is varied from high to low while using insulator resistivity is high.
  • Temperature coefficient of the conductor is a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, while the insulator negative temperature coefficient of resistance.
  • There is no forbidden gap in conductor but in insulator large forbidden gap.
  • Valence band remains empty in conductor but insulator must be full of an electron in the valence band.
  • Conduction band in conductor full of electrons, while insulator conduction band remain empty.
  • Examples of a conductor are irons, aluminium, copper, and silver, while insulator rubber, wood, paper etc.
  • Application of conductor for making electrical wires and conductor, while insulator as insulation in electrical cable or conductor for supporting electrical equipment etc.