Conductors allow electrons to flow freely between atoms, transferring electricity. Insulators tightly bind electrons and do not allow electron flow between atoms, blocking electricity. Examples of conductors include metals like steel, while plastics are insulators. Conductors have low resistance and freely transfer energy as electricity, while insulators have high resistance and do not easily transfer electrical energy or allow electricity to pass through. Differences in atomic structure determine whether a material conducts or insulates electricity.