What is the main characteristic of ceramics in relation to electrical conductivity?

Ceramics are primarily characterized by their lack of electrical conductivity, which means they do not conduct electricity. This is due to their electron structure, where the electrons are tightly bound to their atoms and do not have the freedom to move around, which is necessary for conducting electricity.

This property makes ceramics useful in applications where electrical insulation is required, such as in insulators for electrical wiring or high-voltage applications. Due to their non-conductive nature, ceramics can effectively prevent the flow of electrical current, thereby protecting against short circuits and other electrical issues.

Other options propose varying degrees of conductivity, which do not accurately represent the inherent properties of ceramics. Although some ceramics can exhibit slight conductivity under specific conditions, this is not their primary characteristic.