Good and bad conductors define the flow of electricity concerning resistivity. Many metals are good conductors of electricity due to their free-flowing electrons, on the other hand, materials are bad conductors or insulators that insulate or resist to flow of the electrons freely.
There are some of the best conductors include silver, copper, gold, and aluminum. Copper, in particular, is widely used in electrical wiring and electronics due to its excellent conductivity and affordability.
List of Electrical Conductor Materials
Table of Resistivity and Conductivity |
Ranked from most to least conductive materials as per the periodic table reasonably good electrical conductors are:
Silver, Copper, Gold, Aluminum, Beryllium
Calcium, Magnesium, Rhodium, Sodium, Iridium
Tungsten, Molybdenum, Cobalt, Zinc, Nickel
Potassium, Cadmium, Ruthenium, Indium, Osmium
Lithium, Iron, Platinum, Palladium, Tin
Rubidium, Chromium, Strontium, Tantalum, Niobium
Gallium, Technetium, Thorium, Thallium, Rhenium
Why are Copper and Aluminium Conductors widely used in Power Transmission?
Copper and aluminum are widely used as conductors in power transmission for several reasons, most of which are as below:
Electrical Conductivity: Both copper and aluminum exhibit high electrical conductivity, meaning they allow electricity to flow through them with minimal resistance. Copper has a higher conductivity than aluminum, but aluminum is lighter, making it a more cost-effective option for long-distance transmission lines.
Cost: Aluminum is significantly cheaper than copper. Given that transmission lines cover vast distances, using aluminum conductors substantially reduces the overall cost of the materials needed for the infrastructure.
Weight: Aluminum is lighter than copper. This characteristic makes it easier and more cost-effective to transport and install over long distances. It also reduces the strain on towers and support structures.
Corrosion Resistance: Both copper and aluminum are naturally corrosion-resistant, ensuring the longevity and durability of the transmission lines, especially in various weather conditions.
Availability: Both metals are abundant and readily available, contributing to their widespread use in power transmission infrastructure.
Mechanical Properties: Aluminum possesses good mechanical properties suitable for overhead transmission lines. It can withstand the mechanical stress caused by wind, temperature changes, and its own weight when used in long spans.
Which Materials are the bad Conductors of Electricity?
- All dielectrics are bad conductors of electricity;
- Demineralized(DM) water is a bad conductor of electricity;
- Most polymers;
- SF6 gas (used as dielectric for HV equipment).
Copper is a widely recognized excellent conductor of electricity due to its high conductivity and low resistance. As per Academic Writers Online UK Its use in electrical wiring and components is ubiquitous, making it a staple in various industries. Other notable conductors include silver and aluminum, each with distinct applications in electrical systems based on their unique properties.
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