10 Electronics

Quarter 1-Module 3:
Conductors, Insulators, and
Semiconductors
Electronics – STE 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education - Region III

Secretary : Leonor M Briones
Undersecretary : Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Author: Maria Elena Lydia E. Daquiz

Language Reviewer: Maricris A. Salazar
Content Editor: Evergylyn T. Lozares
Illustrator: Maria Elena Lydia E. Daquiz
Layout Artist: Maria Elena Lydia E. Daquiz

Management Team
Gregorio C. Quinto, Jr., EdD
Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division
Rainelda M. Blanco, PhD
Education Program Supervisor - LRMDS
Agnes R. Bernardo, PhD
EPS-Division ADM Coordinator
Marinella P. Garcia Sy, PhD
EPS – Science
Glenda S. Constantino
Project Development Officer II
Joannarie C. Garcia
Librarian II

Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph
 10

Electronics
Quarter 1-Module 3:
Conductors, Insulators, and
Semiconductors
 Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

Welcome to Electronics STE 10 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Conductors,
Insulators, and Semiconductors.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators from
public institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator, in helping the learners meet the
standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and
economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent learning
activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire
the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their needs and
circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of the
module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will
help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You also
need to keep track of the learners’ progress while allowing them to manage their own
learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do
the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to Electronics STE 10 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Conductors,
Insulators, and Semiconductors.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for guided
and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the
contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

This part includes an activity that aims to check

what you already know about the lesson to take. If
What I Know
you get all the answers correct (100%), you may
decide to skip this module.

1
 This is a brief drill or review to help you link the
What’s In
current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced to

What’s New you in various ways; a story, a song, a poem, a
problem opener, an activity or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the
What is It lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.
This comprises activities for independent practice to
solidify your understanding and skills of the topic.
What’s More
You may check the answers to the exercises using
the Answer Key at the end of the module.
This includes questions or blank sentence/
What I Have Learned paragraph to be filled in to process what you learned
from the lesson.
This section provides an activity which will help you
What I Can Do transfer your new knowledge or skill into real life
situations or concerns.

This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of

Assessment
mastery in achieving the learning competency.

In this portion, another activity will be given to you to

Additional Activities
enrich your knowledge or skill of the lesson learned.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References - This is a list of all sources used in developing this module.
The following are some reminders in using this module:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to
consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep
understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
2
 What I Need to Know

This module encourages you to learn how to compare conductors, insulators,

and semiconductors in terms of properties and uses. Various activities such as
experiments are provided for you to perform to strengthen your knowledge and skills
regarding the topic.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. identify the types of conductivity of different objects or materials;
2. compare insulators, conductors, and semiconductors according to their properties;
3. test the conductivity of different materials; and
4. appreciate the uses or application of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors
in our daily life

What I Know

A. Complete each sentence by identifying the correct word inside the parentheses. Write
your answer on another sheet of paper.
1. A (conductor, insulator, semiconductor) is a material whose conductivity lies
between conducting and non-conducting materials.
2. The resistance of a conductor (increases, decreases, is the same) with an increase in
temperature.
3. The conduction in a semiconductor is due to the (free electrons in metal bonding,
movement of electron & holes) .
4. Insulators are formed by (covalent bonding, metallic bonding, ionic bonding).
5. Semiconductors current flow is caused by (presence of free electrons, free electrons
and holes, free electrons which are negligibly present).
6. Copper sulphate solution is an example in case of liquids as a (conductor, insulator,
semiconductor).
7. (Conductors, Insulators, Semiconductors) is considered as future elements in the
industry of electronic devices.

3
8. One of the significant advantages of the (conductors, insulators, semiconductors) is
that they serve as the protectors against heat and electricity and form sound too.
9. The resistance of semiconductor materials decreases with the (increase, decrease) in
temperature and vice-versa.
10. The (inductance, resistance, capacitance) of a material is a measurement of how
well a material opposes the flow of electric current.

B. Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on your answer sheet.
1. What type of materials are resistant to the flow of electricity?
A. conductors C. insulators
B. current D. semiconductors

2. Which of the following is the most conductive element?

A. Silicon C. Carbon
B. Silver D. Iron

3. Why are electrical insulators important?

A. They are used to protect us from electricity.
B. They help the flow of electricity.
C. They provide power for electric circuits.
D. They help conduct heat.

4. Which of the following is a good insulator?

A. paper C. air
B. glass D. all of the above

5. What element is a good electrical semiconductor?

A. Copper C. Gold
B. Silicon D. Silver

Notes to the Teacher

The activities in this module are arranged from simple to complex to
help the learner gradually master the desired learning competency.
Give him/her the needed support and guidance so that he/she will be
able to perform the tasks to prepare him/her later on in identifying the
properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. Utilize these
activities to make learning process efficient and effective.

4
 What’s In

Match the symbols in Column B and their respective descriptions in Column C with the
items in Column A. Write the letter and number for coding your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.

A B C
Coded
Picture Answer Name of the Description
Symbol
1. A. Unconnected I. The symbol represents an
Wires independent current
___ - ___

2. B. Constant II. This represents AC supply in

Current Source the circuit.
___ - ___

3. C. AC Supply III. Represents the connection

of two conductors. Dot shows
___ - ___
the junction point.
4. D. Single Cell IV. Used to provide a supply for
Battery a circuit.
___ - ___

5. E. Connected V. Represents two unconnected

Wires wires/conductors
___ - ___

What’s New

Read the comics strip below. Answer the questions that follow. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
Ana and Juan looked up just in time to see Ana grabbed her umbrella and ran
a giant storm cloud with huge pellets of home when the sky lit up with a huge
rain. flash of lightning.
It’s raining! I’m afraid of
lightning,. Hurry
up Juan.

Let’s get
home. I hear
thunder!

5
 Juan stayed in the rain with his Ana stayed in the bamboo roof and dry
umbrella and asked Ana to join him herself.
outside.

Come on Ana! Let us No. Thank you Juan.

play. It is safer here.

Guide Question no. 1: What do you think will happen to Juan if he will stay longer
outside in the rain and lightning? _________________________________________

Guide Question no. 2: Is Ana safe under a shelter roof? Why or why not?
___________________________________________________________________

The discharge of electricity is known as lightning. It happens when the negative charges or
electrons in the bottom of the cloud are attracted to the positive charges or protons in the
ground. Lightning can travel other metal surface and long distances wires. Metal does not
attract lightning, but it provides a path for the lightning to follow. Most indoor lightning
casualties and some outdoor casualties are due to conduction.

Are you now ready to perform a simple

experiment? If yes, then let us prepare the
materials for the experiment.

Experiment
Lighten Me Up!
Objective: In this activity, you will determine which materials will light up a bulb.
Materials Needed:
3 pieces of electrical wire with different 2 button fasteners (split spins) Eraser
length (5, 8, and 10 inches - strip the ends)
Battery (Size D) Metal paper clip Aluminum foil
1.5 volt bulb and socket paper ballpen
Rubber band hairclip key

6
 NEVER use the electricity from a plug or
TAKE socket as it is very powerful and very
CARE dangerous. You should only use
batteries for electrical experiments.
Procedure:
1. Set up a model of an electric circuit, using wires,
bulbs, and a battery as illustrated. Use elastic band
or some masking tape to secure the connections to
the dry cell.
2. Remove the paper clip from the circuit.
3. Look at the table below, and predict whether the
objects will light the bulb or not. Record your
predictions.
4. Place the bare ends of the two Figure 1. Electric circuit model
button fastener on a penny, NEVER touch anything
and see if the bulb lights TAKE
up. Record the result in electrical with wet hands.
the “Results” column of the
CARE
table.
5. Repeat step 4 for the other objects in the table below.

Object Prediction Result

(Do the light bulb light?)
(Will the light bulb light?)
Metal paper clip
Paper
Eraser
Aluminum foil
Ballpen
hairclip
Key
pencil

Let us frame the concept!

The objects that light up the bulb light are (1)______, (2)______. (3)______. (4)
______. (5)________. Because the materials are all made of (6)______. The objects
that did not light the bulb light are (7)______, (8)______. (9)______ because they are
all (10)______.

7
 Conductors, Insulators and
Semiconductors
What is It

As we learned in previous lesson, electricity is the flow of electrons, which called

electric current in a circuit (path for electrons). Electric current tends to follow the easiest
path in a circuit. Some materials are good at passing an electric current through them, while
others completely block the current. These materials are called conductors, insulators, and
semiconductors.
As you know, the simple experiment you have done a while ago is about testing
which objects will light the bulb and which object will not. If the light turns on, the object is a
conductor. If it does not turn on, the object is an insulator.
The information below gives a more detailed discussion about conductors, insulators
as well as semiconductors.

CONDUCTORS

Conductors are the materials or substances which

allow the flow of electricity through them. They conduct
electricity because they allow electrons to flow easily
inside them from atom to atom or from particle to
particle. An object made of a conducting material will
allow charge to be transferred across the entire surface
of the object. If charge is transferred to the object at a
given location, that charge is quickly dispensed across Figure 2. Electrons of
the entire surface of the object. The occurrence of conductors.
transferring charge, electricity or heat in any material or
substance is known as conductivity.

Examples of solid conductors are silver

Figure 3. Common examples of conductors
which is the best conductor of electricity but
costly and is not commonly used by
industries. Copper, gold, aluminum, brass,
and steel are good conductors of electricity
and often used in electric circuits and
systems in the form of wires. Copper
sulphate solution is a liquid conductor. Gases
are poor conductors, but when ionized they
can become good conductors. Water, people,
and animals and trees are also examples of
conductors.

8
 That is why children
TRIVIA should not play in the
Our body is 60 percent water which rain when lightning
makes us a good conductor of appears in the sky!
electricity. If an electricity cable falls on a tree
and you touch the tree, you then become the
conductor or pathway to the ground and could
get electric shock.

Conductors are quite useful in a lot of ways and find use in many actual life
applications. For example, aluminum are use in making foils to keep food. It is also used
in the manufacturing of fry pans to store heat quickly.
Iron is a common substance used in
automobile manufacturing to conduct heat. The
plate of iron is made up of steel to manage
heat quickly. Conductors find their use in car
radiators to get rid of heat away from the
engine. Metals, such as copper, iron and steel,
are use in the parts of electrical objects that
need to let electricity to pass through like in the
Figure 4. Application of conductors plugs and light bulb.

Why lightning hit trees and tall metal

buildings but not cars? Let us find out
the answer to the next discussion.

Insulators
Insulators are the substances or materials whose characters are different from the
conductors, as they do not permit heat or electricity to pass through them. The reason for
not allowing the heat or electricity to flow is the substance resistivity, and they do not also
have any free electrons.

Figure 5. Few electrons that are freely

moving but is not allowed to move to
the next atom.

Insulators are materials that prevent electricity from flowing easily. It blocks the flow
of electrons from another atom.

9
 Insulators are mainly solid like glass,
mica, rubber, quartz, wood, wool, and
plastic. One of the important advantages of
the insulators is that they function as the
protectors against heat and electricity and
form sound too.

Figure 6. Examples of insulator.

Rubber is regularly used as fire-resistant. Clothes, tires, and slippers are also good
insulators. Electrical insulators are used in the cable system, as well as integrated circuit
boards as they (insulating materials) inhibit the flow of electrons and current through them.

Figure 7. An electric cable is one example of how

conductors and insulators are used. Electrons move along
a copper conductor to give energy to an electric device
such as a television, bulb, or an engine. To keep electrons
in the conductor, an insulator around the surface of the
copper conductor is provided.

When an insulator surrounds a conductor, the

electrons in the conductor are stopped from
moving to the next atom.

Semiconductors

Materials that have the characteristics to

behave like conductors, as well as insulators
under different conditions are known as
semiconductors. We can also say that they
are materials whose conductivity lies between
conductors and insulators. At room
temperature, semiconductors have lower
electrical conductivity than conductors but with
higher electrical conductivity than insulators.

Figure 8. Examples of semiconductor

Semiconductors are used in the making of the various electronic devices like
transistors, integrated circuits, and diodes. These devices are reliable, low cost, easy to
use, and power and efficient. Germanium, silicon, tellurium, tin, and other metal oxides
are a few examples of semiconductors. The most commonly used semiconductor in
electronics today is silicon.

10
 Semiconductors became a crucial element in the manufacturing of electronics.
Since the invention of the transistor, the world of electronics has always been on an
exponential curve in terms of research, development, manufacturing, introducing new
devices and technologies. And because of its ability to easily manipulate its conductivity
of charge carriers like electrons and holes, the semiconductors are considered as the
backbone of electronics.
As shown in Figure 8, these semiconductors are employed in the manufacture of
various kinds of electronic devices, including integrated circuits, diodes, and transistors.
These devices have found wide application because of their compactness, reliability,
power efficiency, and low cost. As discrete components, they have found the use in power
devices, optical sensors, and light emitters, including solid-state lasers. They have a wide
range of current and voltage-handling capabilities and, more important, lend themselves
to integration into complex but readily manufacturable microelectronic circuits. They are
and will be in the foreseeable future, the key elements for the majority of electronic
systems, serving communications, signal processing, computing, and control applications
in both the consumer and industrial markets in the Philippines.

The use of semiconductor

devices played a major role in this
time of pandemic especially here
in the Philippines. The use of band
watch and thermal scanners with
microchips that process data from
individual to individual was very
useful to predict the persons
health issues. Spreading of
information through cellphones
and videocams help the public to
be notified in the latest news
about this crisis. Filipinos were
ordered to work from home with
the use of their personal laptops
that process data needed for their
work. Figure 9. Some application of semiconductors

How do conductors, insulators, and

semiconductors differ from each other?

11
 Properties of Conductors, Insulators and Semiconductors
Conductors, insulators and semiconductors can be distinguished on the ground of
their conductivity and other properties. The information below gives a more detailed
discussion about their properties and key differences.

Properties/
Characteristics Conductors Insulators Semiconductors

Conductivity High Low Moderate

Resistivity Low Very high Moderate

Temperature Positive Negative Negative

coefficient
Conduction Numerous electrons Neutral number of Very less number of
for conduction electrons for electrons for
conduction conduction
Current flow Caused by the It is caused by free It is caused by free
presence of free electrons which are electrons and holes
electrons. negligibly present
Energy Band Conduction band Conduction band Conduction band
and valence band and valence band and valence band
overlap each other. are separated by separated by 1eV
6eV.
Charge carriers Electrons They do not contain Intrinsic charge
any charge carriers. carriers are holes
and electrons.
Current Flow Takes place easily. Does not take place. Very Slow.
under the influence
of electric field
Valence band and Valence band and Valence Band is Valence band is
conduction Band conduction band is completely filled and partially empty and
completely filled conduction band is conduction band is
completely empty. partially filled.
Effect of Conductivity Conductivity Conductivity
temperature on decreases increases increases
conductivity
Valence electrons There is only one There are eight There are four
valence electron in valence electrons in valence electrons in
the outermost shell. the outermost shell the outermost shell.
Type of Bonds Conductors are Insulators are Semiconductors are
formed by a metallic formed by ionic formed by covalent
bonding. bonds. bonding.

12
 What’s More

Independent Activity 1
Trivia With A Twist

You have learned that water is a conductor of electricity. “Is distilled water a
conductor, insulator or semiconductor?“ The answer to this question is given below but
you have to complete the sentence by identifying the following given materials as
conductor, insulator, or semiconductor. For every correct answer, a piece of word beside
your answer will be your clue to your trivia. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1.
Conductor- good conductor
Insulator - good insulator
Semiconductor - good
semiconductor
Chalk
2.
Conductor- polar
Insulator - ionic
Semiconductor - nonpolar
Diamond

3. 4.
Conductor- allows Conductor- insulate
Insulator - inhibits Insulator - conduct
Semiconductor - exhibits Semiconductor - dissolve

Key Microchips

5.
Conductor- nonmetallic
Insulator - metallic
Semiconductor - ionic
Diodes
6.
Conductor- compounds
Insulator - solvent
Semiconductor - electrons
Pan

Trivia’s Answer:

Distilled water is a (1)_____ because it is a good (2)_____ solvent which (3)_____

them to (4)_____ (5)_____ (6)_____ easily.

13
Independent Assessment 1
A One-Time Mistake

Read the following paragraph below. Identify the sentence that makes the information
in the box incorrect. Write the CAPITAL letter of your answer on another sheet of paper.

(A) An electric current is produced when free electrons move from one atom to
the next. (B) Materials that permit many electrons to move freely are called
conductors. (C) Copper, silver, diamond, aluminum, zinc, brass, and iron are
considered good conductors. (D) Copper is the most common metal used for
conductors and is relatively inexpensive.

1. Conductors

(A) Insulators are the materials that are not good conductors of electric charges.
(B) As in the case of insulators, current flow easily through them. (C) The energy band
gap is so high in case of insulators that even applied potential does not excite the
electrons from valence band to conduction band. (D) The band gap of the insulator is
larger as compared to both conductors and semiconductors.

2. Insulators

(A) Semiconductor materials, such as aluminum, can be used to manufacture

devices that have characteristics of both conductors and insulators. (B) Many
semiconductor devices will act like a conductor when an external force is applied in
one direction. (C) When the external force is applied in the opposite direction, the
semiconductor device will act like an insulator. (D) This principle is the basis for
transistors, diodes, and other solid state electronic devices.

Roll and Spell

Independent Activity 2

Arrange the given letters to identify the sentence below. Write your answer on
another sheet of paper.
1. T L A I C L M E Type of bonds in conductors.
2. G E T I H The number of valence electrons in the outermost shell of
insulators.
3. S A T R O N U S I L Materials that do not contain any charge carriers.
4. D O T C N R O C U S The valence band and conduction band is completely filled.
5. V E L O N C A T The type of bonding among semiconductors.
6. C I S L O N I Commonly used semiconductor substance in electronics.

14
Independent Assessment 2
Think Me Two

A. Complete the pairing of words by filling in the blanks with the correct terms about
conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. Choose your answer from the box. Write your
answer on another sheet of paper. Number one is done for you.
with free electrons rubber
semiconductors many electrons
tires slipper
few electrons insulators
conductors with free electrons and holes

1. conductors : numerous electrons - insulators : few electrons

2. copper : gold - clothes : ___________
3. semiconductor : silicon - insulators : ___________
4. electronic devices : semiconductors - electricity : ___________
5. insulators : no free electrons - conductors : __________
6. human : conductor - gloves : ___________

B. Identify the category of the following properties by encircling the letter of the correct
answer if they are:
C - conductors
I - insulators
S - semiconductors.
Write your answer on another sheet of paper.
C I S 1. The current flow is caused by the presence of electrons.

C I S 2. The temperature coefficient is negative.

C I S 3. There is a neutral number of electrons for conduction.

C I S 4. The intrinsic charge carriers are holes and electrons.

C I S 5. The valence band and conduction band is completely filled.

15
Independent Activity 3
Fits Perfect!

After learning the properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors, you are
now ready for a more challenging activity. In this activity, you must assemble puzzle pieces
by putting together the part with the correct information of conductors, insulators, and
semiconductors. One puzzle consists of four parts, and you have to assemble five. Write

Assembled Puzzle Parts of the Puzzle

1. Conductors

2. Insulators

3. Semiconductors

4. Examples of Conductors

5. Examples of semiconductors

16
Independent Assessment 3
Three-some Awesome!

Now that you are familiar with the properties of conductors, insulators, and
semiconductors, let us compare them. Inside the box are three correct information that
belong to the properties of conductivity. Write the CAPITAL letter of the information that
does not belong to the group. Answer this activity on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Conductors
A There are numerous electrons for conduction.
B The current flow is caused by the presence of free electrons.
C The temperature coefficient is negative.
D The charge carriers are electrons.

2. Insulators
A Current flow under the influence of electric field does not take place.
B They are formed by a metallic bonding.
C There are eight valence electrons in the outermost shell.
D The effect of temperature on conductivity is increasing.

3. Semiconductors
A The conductivity is low.
B The current flow is caused by free electrons and holes .
C The conduction band and valence band is separated by 1eV.
D The effect of temperature on conductivity is increasing.

4. Uses of Conductors
A Aluminum finds its use in making foils to store food.
B Iron is used in vehicle engine manufacturing to conduct heat.
C The plate of iron is made up of steel to absorb heat briskly.
D Rubber is commonly used as fire-resistant.

5. Uses of Semiconductors
A Semiconductors act as protectors against heat and electricity.
B Electronic devices stores information data.
C Integrated circuits process audio and video signals.
D Devices of semiconductors stores information like videos and photos.

17
 What I Have Learned

Let us see how much learning you gained from this module. Using the concepts from
the discussion, complete the graphic organizer by filling in with the correct terms and
information about the properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. Write your
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Properties

of

Conductors Insulators Semiconductors

Do not allow electricity or heat to

1. _______ 2. ________
pass through

The temperature coefficient is

positive 3. _______

The conduction property is

4. _______ 5. _______ moderate

Number of electrons for conduction

numerous 6. _______ 7. ________

The type of bonds is

8.________ 9. _______ 10. ______

18
 What I Can Do

Now that you have gained concepts about the properties of conductors, insulators,
and semiconductors, you will make use of these concepts you have learned to answer this
activity. Earlier, you encountered Ana and Juan. Now its time to meet Ana and Juan’s
friends. Observe the picture shown below. As you can see, anyone in the picture will or will
not complete the conduction of lightning. Write down the materials that exhibit the
properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors and group these materials by
completing the table below the picture. Answer the guide questions that follow on a
separate sheet of paper.

Juan stayed in the rain with his friends and a little later, Ana joined too
with her boots and raincoat.

A
B

D E F

Conductors Insulators Semiconductors

Guide Questions :
1. Which of the children will more likely to be hit by lightning? (You can identify
them by looking at the letter written on their shirt). Expound.
____________________________________________________________
2. How can you avoid being the conductor of lightning? __________________

19
 Assessment

Read each question carefully then choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the
CAPITAL LETTER of your answer on another sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is considered as future elements in manufacturing electronic
devices like industrial-control equipment, communication with data-processing, etc.
A. Conductors C. Semiconductors
B. Insulators D. Superconductors

2. What is the resistivity of conductors when the temperature increases?

A. It also increases C. It is the same
B. It decreases D. There is no resistivity in conductors

3. How many valence electrons of insulators are there in its outermost shell?
A. Eight valence electrons. C. Four valence electrons.
B. Six valence electrons D. One valence electrons.

4. Why are electrical insulators important?

A. They provide power for electric circuits
B. They help conduct heat
C. They help the flow of electricity
D. They are used to protect us from electricity

5. Which of the following is the most conductive element?

A. Silver C. Carbon
B. Silicon D. Iron

6. Which of the following statements is CORRECT about semiconductors?

A. At room temperature, semiconductors are materials with high electrical
conductivity than conductors but with lower electrical conductivity than insulators.
B. At room temperature, semiconductors are materials with moderate electrical
conductivity than conductors but with lower electrical conductivity than insulators.
C. At room temperature, semiconductors are materials with lower electrical
conductivity than conductors but with higher electrical conductivity than insulators.
D. At room temperature, semiconductors are materials with high electrical
conductivity than conductors but with neutral electrical conductivity than insulators.

7. What type of materials is resistant to the flow of electricity?

A. conductors C. insulators
B. superconductors D. semiconductors

20
8. Which of the following is a good insulator?
A. paper C. glass
B. air D. all of the above

9. What element is a good electrical semiconductor?

A. Silicon C. Aluminum
B. Copper D. Silver

10. How do conductors and insulators are used in electronics?

A. An insulator is used outside of the conductor to keep electrons in the inside the
conductor.
B. An insulator is used to prevent the flow of electrons from conductors to another
atom.
C. A and B are correct.
D. None of the above.

11. What is the phenomenon of transferring charge, electricity, or heat in any material or
substance?
A. Conductivity C. Polarity
B. Resistivity D. Bonding

12. Which of the following is the best conductor of electricity but costly and is not commonly
used by industries?
A. Gold C. Copper
B. Silver D. Aluminum

13. How can gases be good conductors?

A. When the density of gases becomes constant, they can conduct electricity.
B. When gases are placed into containers, they become good conductors.
C. When gases increases temperature they can conduct electric current.
D. When gases are ionized or solidified, they become a good conductors.

14. Which of the following is good example of insulators?

A. Rubbers C. Slippers
B. Tires D. All of the above

15. What is the cause of current flow in semiconductors?

A. It is caused by free electrons and holes.
B. It is caused by free electrons which are negligibly present.
C. It is caused by the presence of free electrons.
D. It is caused by holes present in semiconductors.

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 Additional Activities

After establishing the concept about the difference between conductors, insulators,
and semiconductors, choose five objects from around your house and predict whether they
are conductors, insulators, or semiconductors. Build a series circuit using each object, one
battery, and one light bulb to verify your predictions. You can use a graphic organizer to
show your experiment. Write a paragraph to explain your findings.

NEVER use the electricity from a plug or

TAKE socket as it is very powerful and very
CARE dangerous. You should only use
batteries for electrical experiments.

Materials Needed:
• Battery (double A, or any battery at home)

• Light bulb with holder

• 3 pieces of small insulated wires

• Objects that can be classified as conductors, insulators or semiconductors

NEVER touch anything

TAKE
electrical with wet hands.
CARE

Sample graphic organizer of your experiment.

Battery Light Bulb

(Your Object)
Ex. Broom stick

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 23
What I Know What’s More Independent Assessment 3
A. Independent Activity 1 1. C
1. semiconductor Table - Sentence Answer 2. B
2. increases 1. insulator - good insulator 3. A
3. movement of electron and 2. insulator - ionic 4. D
holes 3. conductor - allows 5. A
4. Ionic bonding 4. semiconductor - dissolve What I Have Learned
5. free electrons and holes 5. semiconductor - ionic 1. allow electricity and heat to
6. conductor 6. conductor - compounds pass through
7. semiconductor Independent Assessment 1 2. conductivity lies between con-
8. Insulators 1. C 2. B 3. A ductors and insulators
9. increase Independent Activity 2 3. negative
10. resistance 1. metallic 4. high
B. 2. eight 5. low
1. C 3. insulators 6. neutral number
2. B 4. conductors 7. very less number
3. A 5. covalent 8. metallic bonding
4. D 6. silicon 9. ionic bonding
5. B Independent Assessment 2 10. covalent bonding
What’s In A What Can I Do
1. C - II 1. few electrons Picture
2. E - III 2. slippers Conductors
3. B - I 3. rubber - children, trees, metal of umbrella
4. A - V 4. conductors Insulators
5. D - IV 5. with free electrons - rubber boots, rain coat
What’s New 6. insulators Semiconductors
1. Juan might be hit by light- B. - sim card of children F in the cell-
ning. 1. C phone
2. Ana is much safer than 2. I Guide Question
Juan because she is dry. 3. I 1. Children A, B, C and F.
What’s New (Experiment) 4. S 2. We can avoid to be a conductor
Table 5. C of lightning by wearing rubbers
1. metal paper clip - Yes Independent Activity 3 like raincoats, gloves and thick
2. paper - No 1. Conductors clothes in the rain. Staying dry will
3. eraser - No - high conductivity also keep us safe from lightning.
4. aluminum foil - Yes - low resistivity Assessment
5. ballpen - No - positive temp. coefficient 1. C
6. hairclip - Yes 2. Insulators 2. B
7. key - Yes - conduction band is empty 3. A
8. pencil - Yes - no charge carrier 4. D
Frame Concept 3. Semiconductors 5. A
1. metal paper clip - formed by covalent bonding 6. C
2. aluminum foil - four valence electrons 7. C
3. hair clip - conduction band is partially 8. D
4. key filled 9. A
5. pencil 4. Examples of Conductors 10. C
6. metals - aluminum 11. A
7. paper - gold 12. B
8. eraser - silver 13. D
9. ballpen 5. Examples of Semiconductors 14. D
10. non-metals - silicon 15 A
- tin
- germanium
Answer Key
References
Payawal, P . Discoverer Science. Quezon City: Academe Publishing House, 1992
Salmorin, L.M, Florido B. Science and Technology IV. Quezon City: Abiva
Publishing House Inc. , 2003
Department of Education. LRMDS Portal “Experiencing Electricity”.
https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/search?filter=&search_param=all&query=electronics

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan
Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email address: lrmdsbulacan@deped.gov.ph