Some things let the loop through
A loop has a gap. A metal spoon in the gap lights the lamp. A rubber band does not.
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The idea
Step 1 of 2
- A wooden block sits in the gap. The lamp stays dark.
- A metal spoon sits in the gap instead. The lamp lights.
The rule
A conductor lets electric current through. An insulator does not.
Put a thing in the gap. If the lamp lights, the thing is a conductor. If the lamp stays dark, it is an insulator.
Metals are conductors. Pencil lead is a conductor too, but it is not a metal. Plastic, rubber and wood are insulators.
A wire has both. The copper inside conducts. The plastic cover does not.
Watch out!
A magnet cannot tell you if something conducts. Magnets do not pull copper, brass or aluminium, but all three conduct.