What is the term used to describe a material's ability to transmit electricity?

The term that describes a material's ability to transmit electricity is conductivity. This property is crucial in understanding how materials behave when an electric current is applied. Conductivity measures how easily electrons can move through a material. In general, materials that have high conductivity, such as metals, allow electric current to flow easily, while those with low conductivity, like rubber or glass, resist the flow of electricity.

Understanding conductivity is important for utility arborists, especially when working near power lines and equipment, as it informs safety protocols and material selection for tools and protective gear. Conductivity is often expressed in units of siemens per meter (S/m) and is a fundamental property in electrical engineering and physics.