What are materials that do not conduct electricity well called?

Materials that do not conduct electricity well are referred to as insulators. Insulators are substances that impede the flow of electric current, making them essential in electrical systems to prevent unwanted energy losses and ensure safety. Common examples of insulators include rubber, glass, and many plastics, which are used to coat or support electrical wires to protect them from environmental factors and to prevent electrical shocks.

In contrast, conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow freely, such as metals like copper and aluminum. Resistors are components used in circuits to limit current flow and provide a specific resistance, but they still must be made from conductive materials. Electrodes are conductive materials used to facilitate the transfer of electricity in applications like batteries and electrochemistry. Understanding the concept of insulators is key in fields such as electronics, energy transmission, and safety measures in electrical engineering.