What are materials that do not easily conduct electricity called?

Materials that do not easily conduct electricity are referred to as insulators. These substances have very high resistance to electric current, which means that they do not allow electrons to flow freely through them. Common examples of insulators include rubber, glass, and many plastics, which are widely used in electrical applications to prevent unintended current flow and protect users from electric shocks.

In contrast, conductors are materials like copper and aluminum that allow electricity to flow through them very easily, making them ideal for wiring in electrical systems. Semiconductors have properties that fall between those of conductors and insulators, and they can conduct electricity under certain conditions, making them essential for electronic components, such as transistors and diodes. Resistors, on the other hand, are specific components used to limit current in an electric circuit, and while they can be made from conductive materials, their primary function is to resist the flow of electricity rather than serve as insulators.