Question

Why do charges flow through metal but not plastic?

Answer 1

Flow of Charges

1. Conduction - It involves the flow of charge when charged object contact with the neutral object.
2. Induction - It involves the flow of charges without contact with any two objects.
3. Radiation - It involves the flow of charges without contact through heat radiation.

Conductors - Those substances which allow the flow of charge by conduction are called conductors.

Insulators - Those substances which do not allow the flow of charge through them are called insulators.

1. Metal acts as a conductor because it allows the flow of charges or electricity through it.
2. Metals act as a conductor because it allows the movement of free electrons in between the atoms.
3. Plastic acts as an insulator because it does not allow the flow of current or charges or electricity through it.
4. Therefore, Plastic is an insulator, whereas metal is a conductor.