Al is lighter than Cu.
In the electrical trade aluminum wire is equivalent to copper wire as it is also used to carry current. To carry the same current as copper wire aluminum wire is up sized to meet the same ampacity.
aluminum
Electricity is transmitted in cables through the flow of electric current, which is carried by conductive materials, typically copper or aluminum. The cables are insulated to prevent energy loss and protect against electrical hazards. High-voltage transmission is often used to minimize energy loss over long distances, with step-up transformers increasing voltage at the source and step-down transformers reducing it for local distribution. This efficient system allows electricity to travel from power plants to homes and businesses.
Copper is used the majority of the time. Gold is sometimes because it does not corrode. Tungsten is used in light bulbs because it is a good resistor and resists the flow of electrons. Aluminum and silver are also sometimes used. There is also some recent research in safely using sodium and lithium.
2/0 in Copper and 4/0 in Aluminum. This is referred to as two ought and 4 ought. <<>> A #2/0 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 90 degrees C is rated at 185 amps. In Canada, a # 2/0 wire is allowed to be used for residential 200 amp services only instead of using #3/0. This rule helps the home owner to keep building costs lower. A #3/0 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 90 degrees is rated at 210 amps
Actually, aluminum mylar tape shielded cables are better than copper braid shielded cables for instrumentation cables.
Aluminum
They conduct electric signals. Copper is a fairly good conductor, that's why it is often used instead of other metals.
Copper and aluminum (or copper clad with aluminum) are often used in wiring. New aluminum connection is now limited to use service-connections by some electrical codes and can no longer be installed for branch circuit wiring.
Copper is not commonly used for heavy long-distance cables primarily due to its high weight and cost. While it has excellent electrical conductivity, the larger diameter required to minimize resistive losses over long distances makes copper cables cumbersome and expensive to install and maintain. Instead, aluminum is often preferred for long-distance transmission lines because it is lighter, more cost-effective, and still provides adequate conductivity for efficient power transmission. Additionally, aluminum's resistance to corrosion further enhances its suitability for outdoor applications.
Because they have low electrical resistance, good enough mechanical properties and aren't too expensive.
Copper and aluminum are the most common metals used for electric cables due to their high conductivity and affordability. Copper is preferred for higher conductivity, while aluminum is more cost-effective for longer-distance transmission lines.
A lot of the time Chevy used aluminum battery cables in their cars,(in particular my 1980) I was continually having starting and battery problems until I replaced the cables with copper.
The reaction between aluminum and copper chloride is often used to demonstrate displacement reactions in chemistry. When aluminum is added to copper chloride, the aluminum will displace the copper in the compound, resulting in the formation of aluminum chloride and copper metal. This reaction is commonly used in educational settings to illustrate the reactivity of metals and the concept of displacement reactions.
copper
Copper (electrical wiring and hot water pipes) and aluminum (high voltage cables and soda drink cans).
If a copper spoon is used to stir a solution of aluminum nitrate, a redox reaction may occur between the copper and the aluminum ions in solution. This could lead to the displacement of copper by aluminum, forming aluminum metal on the surface of the copper spoon and changing the composition of the solution.