What is the primary characteristic of conductors?

The primary characteristic of conductors is that they allow electric current to flow easily. Conductors, which are typically metals such as copper and aluminum, have free electrons that can move freely throughout the material. This ability to facilitate the movement of electric charge is what defines a conductor and makes it essential in electrical circuits and applications where efficient energy transfer is required.

In contrast, materials that resist electric current are classified as insulators, as they do not allow free movement of electrons and hinder the flow of electricity. While some materials may have a positive charge, this does not inherently define them as conductors; it's the mobility of electrons that is crucial. Additionally, conductors are predominantly made from metallic materials rather than non-metal materials, which are usually insulators. Thus, defining conductors based on their property of allowing current to flow freely captures the essence of their role in electrical systems.