mittejuhiva

Mittejuhiva is an Estonian term that translates to "non-conductor" or "insulator" in English. It refers to a material that resists the flow of electric current. This property is crucial in a wide range of electrical and electronic applications where it is necessary to prevent electricity from passing through or to isolate conductive components.

Common examples of non-conducting materials include rubber, plastic, glass, ceramics, and dry wood. These materials have tightly bound electrons that are not easily dislodged to form a current. In contrast, conductors like metals have free electrons that can move readily, allowing electricity to pass through them with little resistance.

The effectiveness of a material as a non-conductor is measured by its resistivity, which is the inverse of its conductivity. Materials with high resistivity are excellent insulators. The choice of non-conductor depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as the voltage it needs to withstand, its operating temperature, and its mechanical properties.

Non-conductors are vital for safety, preventing electric shocks and short circuits. They are used to coat electrical wires, to construct casings for electrical devices, and as components in switches and circuit breakers. Without effective non-conducting materials, modern electrical technology would not be possible.