Why is electrical wiring usually made from copper and not silver?a)cop...
Silver is also better conductor, nonmagnetic but expensive material.
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Why is electrical wiring usually made from copper and not silver?a)cop...
There are several reasons why electrical wiring is usually made from copper rather than silver. The correct answer to this question is option 'C' - copper is less expensive. Let's explore this further:
1. Conductivity:
- Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. It has a high electrical conductivity, second only to silver. This means that it allows electric current to flow easily through it.
- Silver, on the other hand, has the highest electrical conductivity among all metals. It is an even better conductor than copper. However, the difference in conductivity between copper and silver is not significant enough to justify the higher cost of using silver in electrical wiring.
2. Cost:
- Copper is significantly less expensive than silver. Silver is a precious metal and is much rarer than copper, making it more expensive to mine and refine.
- The cost of using silver in electrical wiring would be prohibitively high, especially considering the large amounts of wiring required for electrical installations in buildings, homes, and industries.
3. Durability and Resistance:
- Copper is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It is less prone to oxidation and is resistant to environmental factors like moisture and humidity.
- Silver, although an excellent conductor, is more susceptible to corrosion and tarnishing. Over time, silver wires may develop a layer of tarnish, which can increase resistance and affect the efficiency of electrical conductivity.
4. Magnetic Properties:
- Copper is non-magnetic, which is beneficial in many electrical applications. It does not interfere with electromagnetic fields or create any magnetic interference.
- Silver is also non-magnetic, so there is no advantage of using silver over copper in terms of magnetic properties.
In summary, while silver is a superior conductor to copper, the significantly higher cost of silver and its susceptibility to corrosion make copper the preferred choice for electrical wiring. Copper provides excellent conductivity, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, making it a more practical and cost-effective option for electrical installations.
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