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7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos

07 best Electrical conductors and their properties


    7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos
    7 best Electrical conductor Materials

    When discussing the suitability of conductors for electrical purposes, it is essential to consider the properties that enable conductivity and those that characterize insulators, preventing the flow of current. 

    An analysis shows that conductors typically have an outer shell with fewer electrons, allowing for easy electron movement. Generally, the number of free electrons is less than 4, 3, 2, or 1.

    Conversely, insulators possess an outer shell with an abundance of electrons compared to conductors. A higher electron count signifies better insulating properties. 

    The selection of materials depends on factors such as cost, and application requirements. The top 7 electrical conductors including

    7 Electrical Conductors

    1. Silver
    2. Copper
    3. Gold
    4. Aluminium
    5. Zinc
    6. Nickel
    7. Iron

    Silver

    Silver is a precious metal widely recognized for its unique properties, making it a valuable material in various industries. Silver is highly ductile and malleable. It allows it to be drawn into thin wires and hammered into thin sheets. 

    Silver is resistant to corrosion, tarnish, and oxidation properties.it is also used in the production of photovoltaic cells for solar panels.

    The scientific symbol of silver is 'Ag' which is taken from the Latin word Argentum which means white or shiny. The atomic number of silver is 47. The main properties of silver are highly conductive material. 

    if we see their electron distributions in shells the arrangement is 2,8,18,18,1.because its outer shell is 1 electron that's why it considers the best conductor of electricity. 

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials

    Properties of Silver

    1. White shiny metal
    2. Good conductor of heat and electricity.
    3. ductile and malleable 
    4. The density is 10.5 gm/cm³.

    Types Of Silver

    1. Fine .999 silver
    2. Silver
    3. Silver filled
    4. Silver-plated
    5. Mexican silver 
    6. Sterling .925 silver
    7. Argentium Silver
    8. coin silver
    9. Nickel silver

    Applications Of Silver

    • Jewellery
    • Coins and investment  
    • Brazing
    • Energy
    • Electronics
    • Medicines
    • photography
    • Engines and glass
    • water hygienic
    • silver medals 

    Copper

    Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, second only to silver. Copper is highly ductile and malleable allowing it to be easily drawn into wires. It forms a protective oxide layer that prevents further deterioration.

    Copper forms alloys with various metals, such as brass (copper and zinc) and bronze (copper and tin).

    Copper finds application in a wide range of industries, including construction, telecommunications, transportation, plumbing, and electronics.

    The copper is taken from the Latin word cuprum. the symbol of copper is cu. The atomic number of copper is 29. it provides very high thermal and conductive properties. its appearance is a red-orange combination. 

    The outer shell of copper has 1 electron so that's why it's the best conductor of electricity and heat.

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials

     Properties Of Copper

    1. Soft and shiny
    2. malleable 
    3. ductile
    4. high thermal and electrical conductivity
    5. pinkish-orange colour(Natural)
    6. high tensile strength 
    7. high deformations resistance 
    8. low thermal expansion 

    Types Of Copper

    1. brass
    2. Nickel silver
    3. phosphorus bronze
    4. aluminium bronze
    5. silicon bronze

    Applications Of Copper

    1. wire and cable 
    2. transmission lines 
    3. cooking accessories 
    4. electrical electrodes
    5. Decorative arts
    6. Bacteriostatic
    7. Dietary minerals 
    8. antifouling 
    9. compression clothing 

    Gold

    Gold is a precious metal renowned for its unique properties. Gold is highly resistant to corrosion, tarnish, and oxidation properties.

    Gold is extremely malleable and ductile which allows it to be hammered into thin sheets (gold leaf) and drawn into fine wires. It has been treasured for centuries for the creation of jewellery, coins, and decorative items.

    The Latin name of gold is aurum whose scientific symbol is 'Au'. atomic number of gold is 79. The colour of gold in pure form is slightly orange-yellow. 

    The major properties of gold are soft, malleable and ductile. it is chemically the least reactive element. 

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials

    Properties Of Gold

    1. The least reactive element
    2. dissolves in mercury, alkaline, and aqua regia.
    3. high malleability, ductility etc
    4. good conductor of heat and electricity
    5. density is 19.3 g/cm³
    6. One stable isotope

    Types Of Gold

    1. Pure Gold
    2. Yellow Gold
    3. rose gold
    4. blue gold
    5. black gold

    Applications Of Gold

    • wealth protection 
    • Embedded IC and electronics
    • jewellery 
    • Medicine 
    • gildings
    • Coinage
    • Dentistry
    • Medical instruments 
    • Aerospace
    • Awards and status 
    • Glassmaking

    Aluminium

    Aluminum, is a lightweight metal. This property is advantageous in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries.

    Aluminium naturally forms a thin oxide layer on its surface which provides excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in electrical transmission lines and components.

    Aluminium is highly ductile and malleable. Aluminium is widely used in construction for doors, windows, facades, and structural components due to its combination of strength and low weight.

    The scientific symbol of aluminium is 'Al'. The atomic number of aluminium is 13. it has only one stable isotope. The colour of silver is silver-white to a dull grey. it is a good reflector of light. The density of aluminium is 2.7g/cm³

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials

    Properties Of Aluminium

    • soft
    • non-magnetic
    • ductile
    • low density 
    • ability to reflect light

    Types Of Aluminium

    1. Pure Aluminium
    2. Copper Alloys
    3. Silicon Alloys
    4. Magnesium Alloys
    5. Magnesium and Silicon Alloys
    6. Zinc Alloys
    7. Manganese Alloys

    Applications Of Aluminium

    1. Biology
    2. Toxicity
    3. foods
    4. medical instrument
    5. medicines

    Zinc

    Zinc is a precious metal with a range of properties that contribute to various applications. Zinc is commonly used in electroplating to provide a protective coating on various objects. 

    Zinc is often used as an alloying agent, contributing to the formation of alloys such as brass (copper and zinc) and zinc-aluminium alloys.  Zinc has a natural ability to form a protective oxide layer. It provides effective corrosion resistance.

    Due to its electrochemical properties, it is used in safeguarding structures like ships and pipelines from corrosion.

    The scientific symbol of Zinc is 'Zn'. The atomic number of Zinc is 30. it has only five stable isotopes. The colour is Bluish white with a density is 7.14g/cm³. 

    Properties Of Zinc

    1. Diamagnetic
    2. Lustrous
    3. hard and brittle
    4. fair conductor of electricity

    Types Of Zinc

    • Zinc sulfate
    • zinc picolinate
    • zinc acetate
    • zinc glycerate
    • zinc monomethionine
    • zinc citrate

    Applications Of Zinc

    1. Galvanization of iron
    2. Architectural 
    3. medicines
    4. toys
    5. automotive

    Nickel

    The chemical symbol of Nickel is Ni. The atomic number of nickel is 28. it has only five stable isotopes. the colour is silvery white. the density of nickel is 7.14g/cm³. nickel has good thermal and electrical properties. 

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials

    Properties Of Nickel

    1. silvery-white lustrous
    2. Face centred cubic
    3. Thermal conductivity is 90.9
    4. Electrical resistivity is 69.3 nΩ.m
    5. Ferromagnetic

    Types Of Nickel

    • Wrought Nickel
    • Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys
    • Nickel-Iron Alloys
    • Nickel-Copper Alloys
    • Nickel-Molybdenum Alloys
    • Nickel-Chromium Alloys

    Applications Of Nickel

    1. turbine blades
    2. boat  propeller shafts 
    3. nickel-cadmium batteries 
    4. Coinage
    5. Tubing for desalination plants
    6. Aircraft
    7. As alloys
    8. Permanent magnet

    Iron

    The scientific symbol of iron is 'Fe'. The atomic number of iron is 26 which has only four stable isotopes. The colour is a greyish tinge with a density is 7.14g/cm³. 

    Iron is a fundamental metal with a rich history of applications. Iron is one of the most abundant elements on Earth and is found in various natural forms, including hematite and magnetite.

    Iron has high strength and durability. Iron has inherently magnetic properties that allow it used in magnetic applications, including electromagnets and magnetic storage media.

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials And their properties in 2024 - Electronicsinfos

    7 best Electrical conductor Materials

    Properties of iron

    1. The heat of fusion is 13.81kj/mol.
    2. The heat of vaporization is 340kj/mol.
    3. Natural occurrence is primordial.
    4. Thermal conductivity 80.4 w/(m.k).
    5. ferromagnetic

    Types of Iron

    1. wrought iron
    2. cast iron
    3. pig iron
    4. direct reduced iron
    5. pure iron

    Applications of Iron

    1. used as alloys and steels.
    2. used in the magnets.
    3. fabricated metal 
    4. industrial machinery
    5. transportation equipment
    6. instrument

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, when considering electrical conductor materials several factors come into play. Copper is one of the best electrical conductors due to its high conductivity, ductility, and corrosion resistance. 

    Aluminum is another commonly used conductor with good conductivity and a lighter weight suitable for overhead power lines.

    Factors such as cost, conductivity, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and weight are crucial considerations when selecting electrical conductor materials. 

    Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

    What are electrical conductor materials?

    Electrical conductor materials allow the flow of electric current with minimal resistance.

    What are the properties of a good electrical conductor?

    A good electrical conductor should have 
    • high conductivity, 
    • low resistivity,
    • good mechanical strength, 
    • corrosion resistance, 
    • thermal stability.

    Which material is the best electrical conductor?

    Copper and Silver are the best electrical conductors.

    How does temperature affect the conductivity of electrical conductor materials?

    conductivity of metals decreases with increasing temperature due to higher atomic vibrations.

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