The electric conductors are of two types namely (i) electronic or metallic conductors and (ii) electrolytic or ionic conductors.

(i)Electronic or Metallic Conductors: These conductors are such that when an electric current is passed through these conductors, there is no chemical and physical change except rise in temperature. Since in these conductors conduction is sue to the movement of free electrons, therefore, such conductors are known as electronic conductors. These are also called metallic conductors, as they includes metals, alloys and substances closely related to metals such as silver, copper, aluminum, carbon, graphite etc.

(ii) Electrolytic or Ionic Conductors: In such conductors conduction is accompanied by chemical reaction and by movement of matter through a liquid conductor. The examples are dilute solution of acid such as sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), hydrochloric acid (HCI), hydroxides of metals such as caustic potash (KOH) and inorganic salts such as copper shipshape (CuSO₄), silver nitrate (AgNO₃). The passage of a current through such conductors is associated with the movement of the constituent particles (ions) through the solution termed as electrolyte. The entire process of decomposition due to passage of a current is known as electrolysis.

For more help in Types of Electric Conductors click the button below to submit your homework assignment