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Electronics (Conductors and Insulators)

The research assignment explores the properties, applications, and differences between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. Conductors allow electricity to flow easily, insulators resist electrical flow, and semiconductors partially conduct electricity, playing a crucial role in modern technology. The assignment includes background research and an experimental component to test various materials' conductivity.

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Joshyua Vaughn Ppyeodae Vonkhalez
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19 views

Electronics (Conductors and Insulators)

The research assignment explores the properties, applications, and differences between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. Conductors allow electricity to flow easily, insulators resist electrical flow, and semiconductors partially conduct electricity, playing a crucial role in modern technology. The assignment includes background research and an experimental component to test various materials' conductivity.

Uploaded by

Joshyua Vaughn Ppyeodae Vonkhalez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MEng 125n – Basic Electronics

Research Assignment: Exploring Conductors, Insulators, and Semiconductors

Name: Joshua Vaughn Boncales

Date: January 26, 2025

Objective:

Conduct research and experiments to understand the properties, applications, and differences
between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors.

Part 1: Background Research

Use textbooks, online resources, or library materials to research the following topics.
Summarize your findings in the spaces provided.

1. What is a conductor? Provide examples and describe their properties.

A conductor is a substance or material that allows electricity to flow through. Electrical


charge carries, like electrons or ions, move easily from 1 atom to another atom when a
voltage is applied. Coppers, a soft, malleable, and ductile metal, is a good example of
conductor because of its very high thermal and electrical conductivity.
2. What is an insulator? Provide examples and describe their properties.
An insulator is a material that does not easily allow heat or electricity to pass through.
Insulators are used to cover materials that carries electricity. A good example of insulators
are plastic, wood, rubber and glass.
3. What is a semiconductor? Provide examples and explain how they differ from
conductors and insulators.
A semiconductor is a material that are used in electrical circuits and components that
partially conduct electricity. Diodes, LEDs, transistors and Solar cells are a good example of
semiconductors. Semiconductors differ from conductors and insulators in their level of
conductivity. Conductors displays a high conductivity while semiconductors allow only a
moderate flow.
4. Why are semiconductors important in modern technology? Provide specific
applications.
Semiconductors are important in modern technology for it is a foundation of modern
computing, where smartphones and laptops rely. Semiconductors are also found in routers,
switches, and communication infrastructures that forms or completes the backbone of
internet, therefore, enabling advancements on technology across various industries.
Part 2: Experimental Research Materials
Needed:

• A simple circuit setup (battery, wires, and a small bulb or buzzer).

• Various materials to test (e.g., copper wire, aluminum foil, rubber, plastic, glass, silicon
wafer, pencil lead, etc.).

• A multimeter (optional, for measuring resistance).

Procedure:

1. Assemble the circuit as demonstrated by your instructor. Ensure all components are
securely connected.

2. Test each material by placing it in the circuit to complete the connection. Observe
whether the bulb lights up or the buzzer sounds.

3. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of each material (optional).

4. Record your findings in the table below:


Material Observation (Does Resistance Reading Conclusion (Conductor,
the bulb light up?) (if applicable) Insulator, or Semiconductor)

Copper
wire

Aluminum
foil

Rubber
band

Plastic
straw

Glass

Silicon
wafer

Pencil lead

Paper

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