Materials that do not allow an easy flow of electrons are known as what?

Materials that do not allow an easy flow of electrons are referred to as insulators. Insulators have high resistance to electric current, which means they do not permit electrons to move freely through them. This property is essential in electrical applications, as insulators are used to protect and contain electrical currents, preventing unwanted flow and ensuring safety.

In contrast, conductors are materials that allow for the easy flow of electrons, typically metals like copper and aluminum. Semiconductors have properties between conductors and insulators; they can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not at others. Superconductors, on the other hand, are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance when cooled below a certain temperature. Each of these types of materials has its distinct uses in electrical engineering, but insulators are specifically defined by their ability to inhibit the flow of electric current.