Definition:Electrical Conductor/Examples
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Examples of Electrical Conductor
Metal
A metal is a substance which is characterised by the fact that its atoms have a number of conduction electrons.
These are electrons which are able to flow more or less freely through the substance.
This gives rise to an electric current.
The atoms themselves, positively charged, remain fixed.
Electrolyte
An electrolyte is a liquid which is characterised by the fact that its molecules are easily ionized into positively charged and negatively charged ions.
These are free to move independently of each other, and hence move through the liquid under the influence of a potential difference.
This gives rise to an electric current.