Question

a material through which electric currents can flow freely is called a conductor. what makes a material a good conductor? it all depends on its atoms. a good conductors atoms have outer electrons that are not as tightly bound to the atoms nucleus as its inner electrons are; for this reason, the outer electrons can move easily within the material. metal atoms often fit this description, so metals, such as copper, tend to make excellent conductors. copper wires are often used in electrical systems, where youll notice that they are usually covered with plastic. plastic is a material known as an insulator. the electrons in a plastic or other insulator atom are tightly bound and thus cannot move easily. consequently, when a copper wire is wrapped in plastic, humans who touch the wire are protected from getting electric shocks. match causes with their effects. some atoms contain electrons that are tightly bound and cannot move easily. materials made up of these atoms are conductors. electric shocks are prevented. cause effect some atoms contain outer electrons that are loose and can move. materials made up of these atoms are insulators. copper wire is wrapped in plastic.

Explanation:

• When atoms have outer electrons that can move (loose), the materials made of these atoms are conductors (as per the text about good conductors having outer electrons that can move).
• When atoms have electrons that are tightly bound (like in plastic/insulators), the materials made of these atoms are insulators.
• When copper wire (a conductor) is wrapped in plastic (an insulator), the effect is that electric shocks are prevented (as per the text "when a copper wire is wrapped in plastic...protected from getting electric shocks").

Answer:

• Cause: Some atoms contain outer electrons that are loose and can move. Effect: Materials made up of these atoms are conductors.
• Cause: Some atoms contain electrons that are tightly bound and cannot move easily. Effect: Materials made up of these atoms are insulators.
• Cause: Copper wire is wrapped in plastic. Effect: Electric shocks are prevented.