Rubber and plastic does not conduct electricity. Why?
Why Rubber and Plastic Does Not Conduct Electricity?
When it comes to electrical conductivity, rubber and plastic materials are known as insulators or non-conductors. This is because they do not allow the free flow of electric charges or electrons through them. The reason why rubber and plastic do not conduct electricity can be explained in detail as follows:
Atomic Structure
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, and they are made up of three particles, namely protons, neutrons, and electrons. The electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the positively charged nucleus. In conductors, such as metals, the outermost electrons are loosely bound to the nucleus and can move freely through the material. In contrast, in insulators, the outermost electrons are tightly bound to the nucleus and cannot move freely.
Band Theory
The behavior of electrons in materials can be explained using the concept of band theory. In conductors, there is an overlap between the valence band (the band of electrons that are involved in bonding) and the conduction band (the band of electrons that are free to move). This overlap allows electrons to move freely through the material, resulting in electrical conductivity.
On the other hand, in insulators, there is a large energy gap between the valence band and the conduction band. This energy gap is so high that the electrons in the valence band cannot overcome it and move to the conduction band, even when an electric field is applied. This means that insulators cannot conduct electricity.
Dielectric Properties
Another reason why rubber and plastic do not conduct electricity is their dielectric properties. Dielectric materials are insulators that can store electrical energy in an electric field. When a dielectric material is placed between two conducting plates, it becomes polarized, which means that positive and negative charges are separated within the material. This separation of charges creates an electric field within the material, which opposes the external electric field and reduces the flow of current through the material.
Therefore, rubber and plastic, which are good dielectric materials, can be used as insulators in electrical circuits to prevent the flow of current and protect against electrical shocks.