What is a conductor?

A conductor is defined as a material that allows electrons to flow through it easily. This property is crucial in electrical applications because conductors enable the efficient transfer of electrical energy from one point to another. Common examples of conductors include metals like copper and aluminum, which have a high density of free electrons that facilitate the flow of electric current.

In contrast, materials that do not conduct electricity well are categorized as insulators, which resist the flow of electrons and help to prevent electrical current from passing through. Devices that increase electrical resistance, like resistors, are meant to limit current flow rather than conduct it. Finally, while a source of electrical power can refer to batteries or generators, it does not describe what a conductor is specifically. Hence, the distinction of conductors as materials that allow easy electron flow is central to understanding electrical circuits and system functionality.