Controlling where Electricity Goes Lesson 3

Controlling where Electricity Goes In a circuit, conductors make a pathway for electric current to flow from one component to the next. The conductors control where current flows Some materials let electric current flow through them. These materials conduct electricity. Knowing which materials conduct electricity helps you know to keep electric energy under control.

Conductors and Insulators Some materials let electric current flow very easily through them. These materials are called good conductors. All metals are good conductors. Other materials let electric current flow through them, but not very easily. These materials are called fair conductors. Salt water, the earth, and your body are fair conductors.

Conductors and Insulators Some materials hardly let any electric current flow through them. These materials are called insulators. Rubber, glass, and plastic are insulators.

Conduct yourself safely Your body conducts electricity. If part of your body touches a closed circuit, you become part of the circuit. This means that electric current will flow through you. If electricity flows through your body, it causes burns, other injury, or even death by electrocution

Conduct yourself safely In the electric circuits you use at school and home, a copper wire conductor connects the source to the load. Electric current flows easily through the wire.

Conduct yourself safely If the circuit is properly connected and the copper wire is covered with an insulator, the electric circuit is safe to use. But if you accidentally touch a conductor that is carrying an electric current, the electric current may flow through your body too.

Conduct yourself safely

Conduct yourself safely Always handle electric cords only by the insulating material Always watch for frayed cords with exposed wires Never touch exposed wiring because you cannot always tell when an electric current is flowing.

Conduct yourself safely Never use an electric device with a damaged cord. Turn the device off and unplug it by pulling on the plug, not the cord. Never touch the conductor in an electric circuit with your body or with another conductor.

Conductor Lab