Conductors and insulator worksheet - Free Printable

To solve the problem, we need to determine whether each material is a conductor or an insulator of electricity. Here's the explanation for each item:

1. Plastic

- Explanation: Plastic is a poor conductor of electricity because it does not allow electric charges to flow easily through it.
- Answer: Insulator

2. Copper

- Explanation: Copper is one of the best conductors of electricity. It allows electric charges to flow freely due to its atomic structure, which has free electrons that can move easily.
- Answer: Conductor

3. Pickle

- Explanation: A pickle contains water and dissolved salts (like vinegar and sodium chloride), which make it a good conductor of electricity. The ions in the solution facilitate the flow of electric current.
- Answer: Conductor

4. Fabric

- Explanation: Fabric, especially dry fabric, is generally an insulator because it does not allow electric charges to flow easily. However, if the fabric is wet (e.g., with water), it may become slightly conductive. Assuming it is dry in this context:
- Answer: Insulator

5. Wood

- Explanation: Wood is a poor conductor of electricity. It does not allow electric charges to flow easily because it lacks free-moving electrons or ions.
- Answer: Insulator

6. Water

- Explanation: Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity. However, most water contains dissolved minerals or impurities (like salt), which make it a decent conductor. Assuming this is tap water or regular water:
- Answer: Conductor

7. Metal

- Explanation: Metals are excellent conductors of electricity. They have free electrons that can move easily, allowing electric current to flow through them.
- Answer: Conductor

Final Answers:

- Plastic: Insulator
- Copper: Conductor
- Pickle: Conductor
- Fabric: Insulator
- Wood: Insulator
- Water: Conductor
- Metal: Conductor

Boxed Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{aligned}
&\text{Plastic: Insulator} \\
&\text{Copper: Conductor} \\
&\text{Pickle: Conductor} \\
&\text{Fabric: Insulator} \\
&\text{Wood: Insulator} \\
&\text{Water: Conductor} \\
&\text{Metal: Conductor}
\end{aligned}
}
\]