ASVAB · Electricity Basics

Which of the following materials is the best conductor of electricity?

Correct answer

Copper

  1. A Wood
  2. B Glass
  3. C Rubber
  4. D Copper

Why this is the answer

COPPER is an excellent CONDUCTOR of electricity (which is why it's widely used in wiring). ASVAB Electronics Information tests conductors vs insulators. CONDUCTORS (allow current to flow easily): metals like copper, silver (best), gold, aluminum. INSULATORS (resist current flow): rubber, glass, plastic, wood, ceramic — used to insulate and protect. Silver is the best conductor, but copper is most common (cheaper, still excellent). Wires are copper conductors covered in rubber/plastic insulation. Knowing copper is a good conductor and rubber/glass/wood are insulators is commonly tested.
Source: ASVAB Electronics Information — Conductors and Insulators

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About this topic: Electricity Basics

Electricity basics define the quantities everything else depends on: voltage, current, resistance and power, their units, and the difference between AC and DC, conductors and insulators. This is one of 13 Electronics Information questions on electricity basics, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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