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It is due to the availablity of "free electrons". All metals such as Copper can be considered as atomic nuclei surrounded by a "sea" of electrons which are free to move around with little resistance, which makes all metals good conductors of electricity (and heat, incidentally). In Silicon, a semiconductor, the electrons are mostly locked up into the silicon crystal lattice structure and free electrons are rare, occurring only when thermal effects release them temporarily from the lattice (leaving behind what is called a "hole"). These free electrons and holes occurring due to thermal effects are called "intrinsic carriers" and the hotter the silicon gets, the more of these intrinsic carriers there will be around. Thus with silicon and other semiconductors, electric current flows more easily (less resistance) as the material gets hotter, while the reverse is true for metals.

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Which is a better conductor tungsten copper silicon or silver?

Silver is the best conductor among these options, followed by copper, then tungsten, and finally, silicon. Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals, making it the best choice for conducting electricity. Copper is also an excellent conductor widely used in electrical applications. Tungsten is less conductive than silver and copper but still used in certain high-temperature applications for its properties. Silicon is a semiconductor, not a good conductor of electricity compared to the other materials listed.


Would a copper pipe work better as a conductor or an insulator?

Copper is a good conductor of electricity due to its high electrical conductivity. It is not effective as an insulator because it allows electricity to flow easily through it. Therefore, a copper pipe would work better as a conductor rather than an insulator.


Is copper a good conductor of heat and electricity?

yes copper is a good conductor of heat only becuase it comes in the conductor of heat


Which would be the best insulator carbon or silicon or aluminum or oxygen?

Oxygen. Carbon as diamond is a good electrical insulator, (graphite is an electrical conductor), silicon is a semiconductor so has limited electrical conductivity and aluminium is a metal and a good electrical conductor.


Is a copper penny a good conductor?

Yes, copper is an excellent conductor of electricity due to its high conductivity. In fact, copper is commonly used in electrical wiring and circuitry because of its ability to easily transmit electrical current. So, a copper penny would indeed be a good conductor of electricity.

Related Questions

Is a copper nail a conductor insulator?

Copper is a good electrical and thermal conductor.


Copper is a good electrical what?

Conductor


Do copper carry current?

Yes, copper is a good electrical conductor.


Which is a better conductor tungsten copper silicon or silver?

Silver is the best conductor among these options, followed by copper, then tungsten, and finally, silicon. Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals, making it the best choice for conducting electricity. Copper is also an excellent conductor widely used in electrical applications. Tungsten is less conductive than silver and copper but still used in certain high-temperature applications for its properties. Silicon is a semiconductor, not a good conductor of electricity compared to the other materials listed.


Would a copper pipe work better as a conductor or an insulator?

Copper is a good conductor of electricity due to its high electrical conductivity. It is not effective as an insulator because it allows electricity to flow easily through it. Therefore, a copper pipe would work better as a conductor rather than an insulator.


Is copper an insulator or a conductor?

It is a very good conductor. It is used in wiring to deliver electricity.


Is ferous metal good conductor of electrical?

A *ferrous* metal is a good conductor, but not as good as copper, silver or aluminum.


Is copper a good electricity conductor?

Yea it is! That is why most of electrical wires are made of Copper!


Is copper a good conductor of heat and electricity?

yes copper is a good conductor of heat only becuase it comes in the conductor of heat


Is a copper wire an insulator or conductor?

Conductor, it is actually one of the best conductors for both heat and electricity.


Why wires are made of cooper?

Electrical wires are made from copper, as copper is a good conductor of electricity.


Why is copper wire the best known conductor?

The best electrical conductor known is silver, not copper. Electrical resistivity of silver: 1,59.10-8 ohm.m Electrical resistivity of copper: 1,68.10-8 ohm.m A good electrical conductor has a very low electrical resistivity and a high electrical conductivity (the same principles for the thermal conductivity).