Making an insulator become a conductor?

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The discussion centers on the concept of converting an insulator into a conductor through the application of a strong magnetic field. Participants clarify that while insulators like plastic do not conduct electricity under normal conditions, applying sufficient energy can lead to a phenomenon known as "dielectric breakdown," where electrons are freed, allowing for conduction. This principle applies universally, as even insulators can conduct electricity if subjected to high enough voltage. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between electromagnetic fields and electron mobility in materials.

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mino206
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Good afternoon(or good morning,it depends on where you are :zzz:),this is my first topic in this great forum so don't be very tough with me okay?
My question concerns the means of producing electricity and to be more precise:Electromagnetism.
I read that if you move a conductor(such as copper for example)into a magnetic field,the valence electrons of its atoms will move out of their atoms(will be "freed")because of the energie provided by this magnetic field.
So I was wondering:What if we move an insulator this time(plastic for example)into a huge and very strong magnetic field,strong enough to provide the needed energie for all the valence electrons in order to be freed.Does this mean that the plastic has become a conductor?
Best Rigards,
mino206
 
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Insulator and conductor are just two ends of the scale.
Everything is a conductor to some extent - if you grab hold of a powerline you would conduct!
 
In other words, yes, if you put enough voltage to just about anything, its electrons will move.
 
This is often called "dielectric breakdown".
 

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