Page 236 - Primary Five Science

Conductors and insulators

A Conductor is any material that allows heat to pass through it.

Examples

Metals like Iron, Steel, Copper, Aluminum, mercury etc.

Choice of consumption: Aluminium vs Silver

Aluminium is commonly used to make utensils because;

 It is cheap

 It has a low density (light)

 Does not rust

Silver is a better conductor of heat but it is not commonly used
because;

 It is very expensive

 It is rare

 It is heavy

Bad or poor conductors of heat

Poor conductors of heat are materials which do not easily al-

low heat to pass through them. They are called insulators.

Examples

Feathers, Rubber, Plastic, Cork, Wood, cotton wool, cloth, e.t.c.

Application of insulators in our daily life

Handles of saucepans, frying pans, flat irons, electric kettles

are covered with plastic or wood to prevent our hands from
getting burnt.