A material with poor electrical conducting properties is known as what?

A material with poor electrical conducting properties is termed an insulator. Insulators are characterized by their inability to allow free flow of electrons, which is essential for electrical conduction. They have a high resistivity, meaning that they resist electrical current effectively. This property makes them suitable for preventing unintended flow of electricity, ensuring safety and functionality in electrical systems.

Materials such as rubber, glass, and certain plastics are common examples of insulators. These materials are used extensively in electrical applications to encase or separate conductors to prevent leakage of current and short circuits. In contrast, semiconductors, conductors, and superconductors have various levels of conductivity, with conductors allowing significant current flow.