Last Updated: 21 March 2026Verified for JEE 2026
PhysicsJEE & NEET
Difference Between Conductor and Insulator
Conductors allow easy flow of electric current, while insulators resist current flow. This distinction is based on the availability of free electrons.
Conductor vs Insulator — Comparison Table
| Aspect | Conductor | Insulator |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Allows current flow | Resists current flow |
| Free electrons | Many free electrons | Very few free electrons |
| Resistivity | Low (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁶ Ω·m) | High (10⁸ to 10¹⁶ Ω·m) |
| Band gap | No band gap (overlapping bands) | Large band gap (>3 eV) |
| Temperature effect | Resistance increases with temperature | Resistance decreases with temperature |
| Examples | Copper, Silver, Gold, Aluminum | Rubber, Glass, Wood, Plastic |
Key Points to Remember
Semiconductors have intermediate conductivity (band gap ~1 eV)
Superconductors have zero resistance below critical temperature
Conductors follow Ohm's law: V = IR
Electrostatic shielding uses conductors (Faraday cage)
Exam Relevance
This topic falls under Current Electricity in Physics for both JEE and NEET. Questions on the difference between conductor and insulator appear frequently in competitive exams, both as direct MCQs and as part of numerical/assertion-reason problems.
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