Short Answer:

Conductors and dielectrics are two types of materials based on how they behave in an electric field. Conductors allow electric charges to move freely, while dielectrics do not allow free movement of charges.

Conductors have many free electrons, so current can flow easily. Dielectrics are insulating materials where charges are bound, and they only show polarization when placed in an electric field.

Detailed Explanation:

Conductors and dielectrics

Meaning of conductors:
Conductors are materials that allow electric current to flow easily. This happens because they have a large number of free electrons. These free electrons can move from one place to another when an electric field is applied. Common examples of conductors are copper, aluminum, and silver.

In conductors, when an electric field is applied, the free electrons start moving in the opposite direction of the field. This movement of electrons creates electric current. Another important property of conductors is that in electrostatic condition, the electric field inside a conductor becomes zero. Also, all excess charge stays on the outer surface of the conductor.

Properties of conductors:
Conductors have high electrical conductivity. They allow easy flow of current. The electric field inside a conductor is zero at equilibrium. Charges are present only on the surface. These properties make conductors very useful in wires, cables, and electrical devices.

Dielectrics

Meaning of dielectrics:
Dielectrics are materials that do not allow free movement of electric charges. They are also called insulators. In these materials, electrons are tightly bound to atoms and cannot move freely. Examples of dielectrics include glass, plastic, rubber, and air.

When a dielectric is placed in an electric field, the charges inside the material do not move freely, but they shift slightly. This shift is called polarization. Due to polarization, an internal electric field is created that opposes the applied field.

Properties of dielectrics:
Dielectrics have low electrical conductivity. They do not allow current to flow easily. They show polarization in the presence of electric field. They can store electrical energy, which makes them useful in capacitors.

Difference in behavior

Charge movement:
In conductors, charges move freely, while in dielectrics, charges are fixed and only shift slightly.

Electric field effect:
In conductors, electric field inside is zero in static condition. In dielectrics, electric field exists but is reduced due to polarization.

Use in applications:
Conductors are used where current flow is needed, such as in wires. Dielectrics are used where insulation is needed, such as in cables and capacitors.

Energy storage:
Dielectrics are useful for storing energy because they can be polarized. Conductors mainly help in transferring energy.

Conclusion:

Conductors and dielectrics are important materials in electrical engineering. Conductors allow easy flow of current, while dielectrics resist it and show polarization. Both are widely used in different electrical and electronic applications.