The "metal" in electric wire is called the conductor. Many materials are used to transmit electrical energy, but those most frequently used are copper, copper-covered steel, high strength copper alloys, and aluminum. For more unusual applications, conductors are fabricated from pure nickel (high temperature applications), pure silver, copper-covered aluminum, and a host of metals, metal alloys, and metal combinations. The most common found in everyday wire is copper which is available in stranded or solid configurations.
High strength alloys - Though more expensive than copper-covered steel wires, copper alloy conductors are specified because they permit significant size and/or weight reductions especially important in computer and aerospace applications. They offer high breaking strength and greater flex life with only a small increase in DC resistance.
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The main reason why certain metals - such as copper or aluminum - are used to make wires is that they are extremely good conductors of electricity. If there were no metal in the wires the electricity would not be conducted by anything.Another good reason why certain metals are used to make wires is because they are "ductile". That just means they can easily be drawn through a series of smaller and smaller holes - called "dies" - to make wires of various diameters.NoteTo prevent the wires in an electrical cable from touching together - which would make a "short circuit" - or from making contact with other metal surfaces, the wires must be covered in a good insulating material such as a specially prepared plastic or rubber compound.
Those are called brushes. They are used to conduct electric current between stationary wires and rotating parts in an electric motor or generator. The brushes are typically made of carbon or metal alloys to ensure good electrical contact and minimize wear on the commutator.
Wires are used as electricity conductors.
Copper is the most common metal used in electrical wires due to its high conductivity and ability to easily carry electrical currents.
Copper is the main metal used for this purpose.
Copper and aluminum used for electric wires
Copper Metal is used because it is good conductor of electricity
Usually, you use ETP (electrical grade) copper, which is at least 99.9% pure. It could be different for special applications.
The main reason why certain metals - such as copper or aluminum - are used to make wires is that they are extremely good conductors of electricity. If there were no metal in the wires the electricity would not be conducted by anything.Another good reason why certain metals are used to make wires is because they are "ductile". That just means they can easily be drawn through a series of smaller and smaller holes - called "dies" - to make wires of various diameters.NoteTo prevent the wires in an electrical cable from touching together - which would make a "short circuit" - or from making contact with other metal surfaces, the wires must be covered in a good insulating material such as a specially prepared plastic or rubber compound.
Copper
Even though silver is the best conductor of electricity, it is extremely expensive. Thus silver is not used to make electical wires. Silver is also very soft to be used as electric wires.
Lead could fall into that category.
Solder is a low melt metal that is conductive of electricity, ideal for forming joints in copper wires, and other electrical devices, etc.
Those are called brushes. They are used to conduct electric current between stationary wires and rotating parts in an electric motor or generator. The brushes are typically made of carbon or metal alloys to ensure good electrical contact and minimize wear on the commutator.
Copper is used in wires and water pipes. The properties that make copper suitable for electric wires are:-1. Ductile2. high melting points3. good conductor.The copper used in electric wires has to be purified up to 99.99%, because impurities decreases its rate of conductivity.
Copper and aluminum are good conductors. Other conductors like silver aren't used to make electric wires because copper and aluminum are cheaper but have the same properties.
Wires are used as electricity conductors.