How do conductors differ from insulators?

Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow easily due to their structure, which has free-moving electrons. These free electrons enable the efficient transfer of electrical energy. In conductive materials, the atomic structure permits electrons to move with minimal resistance when subjected to an electric field, leading to good conductivity.

In contrast, insulators have tightly bound electrons that do not move freely. This characteristic prevents electrical current from passing through easily. The difference in electron mobility is the fundamental reason that conductors are effective at transmitting electric current while insulators are not. The ability of conductors to facilitate the flow of electricity is what makes them crucial for electrical wiring and components, as opposed to insulators, which are used primarily to contain or protect electrical systems from unwanted current flow.