Which one of the following is an insulator?
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nichrome
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graphite
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human body
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bakelite
Answer is D.
Bakelite, or polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, is an early plastic. It is a thermosetting phenol formaldehyde resin, formed from an elimination reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. It was developed by Belgian-born chemist Leo Baekeland in New York in 1907.
One of the first plastics made from synthetic components, Bakelite was used for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, firearms, and children's toys.
If the Bakelite is dry, it won't conduct electricity, however if it is wet and a high enough voltage is applied to it, it might conduct electricity.