What is the characteristic behavior of insulators regarding electron movement?

Insulators are materials that resist the flow of electric charge, primarily because their electrons are tightly bound to their atoms and cannot move freely. This characteristic behavior means that when a potential difference (voltage) is applied, the insulator does not allow electrons to flow through it easily.

This restricted movement of electrons occurs due to the high energy required to free electrons from their bonds within the material's atomic structure. As a result, insulators, such as rubber or glass, serve primarily to prevent electrical current from passing through them.

While complete blocking of electron flow might seem plausible, in practice, no material is an absolute barrier; there can be minimal leakage under very high voltages or in specific conditions. Thus, saying that insulators do not allow electrons to move through them easily accurately describes their ability to resist electrical conduction compared to conductors, where electron flow is free and easy.