What happens to a poor conductor that conducts current in terms of temperature?

When a poor conductor conducts current, it experiences an increase in temperature due to the resistance it offers to the flow of electrical current. This phenomenon occurs because as electrons move through the material, they collide with the atoms within the conductor, causing the atoms to vibrate more vigorously. This increased atomic vibration translates to thermal energy, which manifests as heat.

In some cases, if the current is sufficient, the poor conductor may heat up to the point where it begins to emit visible light, causing it to glow. This is commonly observed in materials like tungsten when used in light bulbs. Therefore, the understanding of how electrical resistance leads to heat generation in poor conductors is crucial, especially in practical applications where overheating could lead to failure or hazards.