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  • Electrical Insulators: Properties, Function & Why They Work
    An electrical insulator has high resistance to the flow of electrical current.

    Here's why:

    * Atoms and Electrons: Insulators have tightly bound electrons. These electrons are not easily freed to carry an electrical current.

    * Energy Gap: Insulators have a large energy gap between their valence band (where electrons reside) and conduction band (where electrons can move freely). This means a lot of energy is required to excite an electron to the conduction band, making it difficult for current to flow.

    Examples of electrical insulators:

    * Rubber: Used in electrical cords and gloves.

    * Glass: Used in windows, light bulbs, and electrical equipment.

    * Plastic: Used in many electrical components and packaging.

    * Wood: Used in construction and furniture.

    * Air: Acts as an insulator in many electrical applications.

    Important Note: No insulator is perfect. Under high enough voltage, even the best insulators can break down and allow current to flow.

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