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Copper is preferred over silver in electrical circuits primarily due to its superior balance of conductivity, cost, and mechanical properties. While silver has the highest electrical conductivity, copper is only slightly less conductive but is significantly cheaper and more widely available. Additionally, copper is more durable and has better resistance to corrosion, making it more suitable for a variety of applications in electrical wiring and connections. These factors make copper the practical choice for most electrical circuit needs.

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Why don't we use silver electrical wires?

We don't generally use silver electrical wires because silver costs more than copper and is only marginally better as a conductor. Economics and practicality dictate our choices here. Copper is a much more common metal than silver.


Why is copper good for electrical wiring?

Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. Among metals it is second only o silver, which is too expensive for practical use in wiring. Copper is also extremely ductile, meaning it can be easily drawn into wires without breaking.


What makes a good electrical conductor?

number of electrons capable of freely moving in the outermost shell of an element. eg. Copper


Why do you not use silver for conducting electricity?

For electrical conductivity silver has not much advantage copper is much cheaper. The electrical conductivity advantage for silver is in the ratio 63.0 to 59.6. Silver 18.50 USD/oz Copper 3.8 USD/lb Note the different units for the comparison.


Why is gold used instead of silver in electrical circuits?

Gold is used instead of silver in electrical circuits primarily due to its superior resistance to corrosion and tarnishing, which ensures reliable conductivity over time. While silver has better electrical conductivity, it can oxidize and degrade when exposed to moisture and air, potentially leading to increased resistance and failure in connections. Gold's stability and durability make it ideal for critical applications in electronics, where long-term performance and reliability are essential. Additionally, gold's non-reactive properties help maintain consistent electrical performance.

Related Questions

Is is silver a better conductor than copper?

Silver is the best conducting metal, both thermally and electrically. It is followed by Copper, then Gold, then Aluminum.


Does solid silver conduct electricity?

Yes, solid silver is an excellent conductor of electricity due to its high electrical conductivity properties. This is why silver is commonly used in various electrical applications such as in electrical wiring, circuits, and contacts.


Is silver a better conductor of electricity than copper?

No, copper is a better conductor of electricity than silver. Copper has a lower electrical resistivity compared to silver, making it more efficient for conducting electricity. This is why copper is widely used in electrical wiring and transmission lines.


Is copper or silver a better conductor of electricity?

Copper is a better conductor of electricity than silver. Copper has a higher electrical conductivity and is more commonly used for electrical wiring and components due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in conducting electricity.


What are 3 conductors used in your home?

Copper, aluminum, and silver are commonly used conductors in homes for electrical wiring and circuits.


Why copper is used for counducting wires?

Out of all the common metals copper is the best electrical conductor. Only silver is slightly better.


What is used as a conductor in electrical circuits?

Metals such as copper and aluminum are commonly used as conductors in electrical circuits due to their high conductivity. Other materials like silver and gold are also good conductors but are less commonly used due to their higher cost.


Which metal is a very very good conductor than copper?

Silver is a metal that is a better conductor than copper. It has a higher electrical conductivity that makes it more efficient for transmitting electricity. However, silver is more expensive than copper, so copper is typically more widely used in electrical applications.


What is better electrical conductor?

Silver is the best electrical conductor among metals, followed by copper. Both materials have high conductivity due to the free movement of electrons in their atomic structure. Silver is marginally better than copper in terms of conductivity, but copper is more commonly used due to its lower cost.


Why don't we use silver electrical wires?

We don't generally use silver electrical wires because silver costs more than copper and is only marginally better as a conductor. Economics and practicality dictate our choices here. Copper is a much more common metal than silver.


What element is used in jewelry tableware electrical circuits and to coat glass?

Silver is used for all these. Gold could be, but silver is more likely to be used in electrical circuits and for mirrors.


Why copper is used for making electrical wire while silver is not?

Copper is used for making electrical wire more commonly than silver because copper is a better conductor of electricity and is more abundant and cost-effective. Silver is a better conductor than copper but is much more expensive, making it less practical for everyday applications like wiring.