Why electric wires made up of copper or aluminium?

Answer 1

Probably not.

Both gold and aluminum have poorer conductivity than copper. If copper is rated at 100, then aluminum is 57 and gold is 65.

Gold is sometimes used to electroplate electronic connectors, not so much because of is conductivity, but because it is so resistant to oxidation.

Aluminum is a good choice where weight is a factor, such as in high-voltage transmission lines.

Other than in a few special cases, copper is the better material for electrical wiring.

Answer 2

That depends on the application you have in mind. Copper is 'best' for conducting

electric current from place to place without loss. Aluminum is 'best' for keeping cost of installations down or where weight of the conductor is a factor. A larger conductor size has to be used when using aluminum wire to carry the same current as a copper wire.

Aluminum also has some issues backing out of connectors so its important to make sure the connectors are tight. The current is actually carried on the surface of the conductor, which is why stranded wire is better than solid wire, more surface area, but more expensive. Hence aluminum has been substituted for copper. Some applications will use steel wire and "flash coat" the steel wire with copper, so the surface is copper the base is steel.

Answer 3

Aluminum has 61% conductivity of copper which results in higher energy losses. So technically you will need a larger size (diameter) aluminum wire compared to copper to get the same results across the end points.

Answer 4

Aluminum is a little more resistive; copper is the better conductor. However, aluminum is a lot cheaper.

However, silver is more conductive than copper, and gold is even better. But those metals are FAR more expensive than copper or aluminum. We can achieve the same conductivity by using a thicker aluminum wire, and still have a lower overall cost.

Answer 5

Copper and aluminium are good conductors of electricity with low resistance, which allows for efficient flow of electricity. They are also abundant, readily available, and cost-effective materials for making electric wires. Additionally, both copper and aluminium have good mechanical properties, making them suitable for use in a wide range of electrical applications.

Answer 6

because they are ductile and good conductor of electricity

Answer 7

Both metals have a good electrical conductivity.