Conductors And Non-Conductors Basic 5 Basic Science Lesson Note

Learning Objectives: By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Discuss the meaning of conductors and non-conductors
• Explain how electricity travels from one point to another (conductors)
• Group materials into conductors (metals) and non-conductors (wood, glass, etc.)
• Make a simple electric circuit connection

What are Conductors and Non-Conductors?

Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow through them easily. They have free electrons that can move and carry electric current.

Non-Conductors (Insulators) are materials that do not allow electricity to flow through them easily. Their electrons are tightly bound and cannot move freely.

How Electricity Travels Through Conductors:

Process of Electrical Flow:

1. Free electrons in conductors can move from atom to atom
2. When voltage is applied, electrons flow in one direction
3. This flow of electrons creates electric current
4. The current travels through the conductor from positive to negative terminal
5. Conductors provide a pathway for electricity to travel

Requirements for Electrical Flow:

• Complete circuit – Electricity needs a closed loop to flow
• Power source – Battery or generator to push electrons
• Conductor – Material to carry the current
• Load – Device that uses the electricity (bulb, motor, etc.)

Classification of Materials:

CONDUCTORS (Allow electricity to flow)

Metals:

• Copper – Used in electrical wires
• Aluminum – Used in power lines
• Iron – Used in electrical equipment
• Silver – Best conductor but expensive
• Gold – Used in electronic components
• Steel – Used in electrical applications

Other Conductors:

• Salt water – Contains ions that carry current
• Human body – Contains water and salts
• Graphite – Carbon form used in pencils
• Wet materials – Water makes things conductive

NON-CONDUCTORS/INSULATORS (Block electricity)

Natural Materials:

• Wood – Used for electrical tool handles
• Rubber – Used for electrical gloves and boots
• Glass – Used for electrical insulators
• Plastic – Used for wire covering
• Paper – Used for electrical insulation
• Cotton – Natural fiber insulator

Other Insulators:

• Air – Good insulator when dry
• Pure water – Without salts, water doesn’t conduct
• Ceramics – Used in electrical insulators
• Oil – Used in transformers for insulation

Making a Simple Electric Circuit:

Components Needed:

• Battery – Power source (1.5V AA battery)
• Copper wire – Conductor to carry current
• Light bulb – Load that uses electricity
• Switch – To control the flow of current

Steps to Make a Simple Circuit:

1. Prepare Materials:

• Strip the ends of copper wires to expose metal
• Check that battery has charge
• Ensure bulb is working

2. Connect the Circuit:

• Connect one wire from positive (+) terminal of battery
• Connect this wire to one terminal of the light bulb
• Connect another wire from the other terminal of the bulb
• Connect this wire to negative (-) terminal of battery

3. Test the Circuit:

• The bulb should light up when circuit is complete
• If bulb doesn’t light, check all connections
• Make sure wires are touching terminals properly

4. Add a Switch (Optional):

• Insert a switch in the circuit to control electricity flow
• When switch is closed, electricity flows and bulb lights
• When switch is open, circuit is broken and bulb goes off

Electric Circuit Symbols:

• Battery: Two parallel lines (one long, one short)
• Light bulb: Circle with X inside
• Wire: Straight lines
• Switch: Break in line with diagonal line

Uses of Electricity:

Domestic Uses:

• Lighting – Bulbs, fluorescent lights, LED lights
• Heating – Electric heaters, stoves, water heaters
• Cooling – Fans, air conditioners, refrigerators
• Entertainment – Television, radio, music systems
• Communication – Telephones, computers, internet
• Cleaning – Washing machines, vacuum cleaners

Industrial Uses:

• Manufacturing – Running factory machines
• Welding – Joining metals together
• Transportation – Electric trains, buses, cars
• Mining – Operating mining equipment
• Agriculture – Irrigation pumps, processing equipment

Commercial Uses:

• Office equipment – Computers, printers, photocopiers
• Shopping centers – Lighting, escalators, cash registers
• Restaurants – Cooking equipment, refrigeration
• Banks – ATM machines, security systems

Medical Uses:

• Diagnostic equipment – X-ray machines, CT scanners
• Life support – Ventilators, heart monitors
• Surgery – Electric surgical tools
• Treatment – Electric therapy devices

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

LESSON 1: BASIC ELECTRICITY – CONDUCTORS AND NON-CONDUCTORS (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. Materials that allow electricity to flow through them easily are called: a) Insulators b) Conductors c) Non-conductors d) Resistors
2. Which of the following is a good conductor of electricity? a) Wood b) Rubber c) Copper d) Glass
3. Non-conductors are also known as: a) Resistors b) Conductors c) Insulators d) Semiconductors
4. Which material would be best for making electrical wire coverings? a) Copper b) Aluminum c) Iron d) Plastic
5. In a simple electric circuit, electricity flows from: a) Negative to positive terminal b) Positive to negative terminal c) Any direction d) It doesn’t flow