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Why are copper metal wires used to conduct electricity?

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Excellent answers, all. Really, on an engineering basis, aluminum and copper are the big competitors. Inside the house, copper is very much preferred. It is a better conductor and less subject to corrosion, oxidation and deterioration of properties when exposed to higher temperatures. read more

For example, copper is used for electrical wiring because it is a good conductor of electricity. Metal particles are held together by strong metallic bonds, which is why they have high melting and boiling points. The free electrons in metals can move through the metal, allowing metals to conduct electricity. read more

Metals are used in electrical wiring because metals conduct electricity. A good conductor of electricity will have minimal loss in energy during transmission of electric power. Additionally, many of the metals are ductile (can be drawn into thin wires without breaking) and malleable (can be pounded into thin sheets without breaking). read more

Full Answer. Copper and aluminum are two common commercial metals used for electrical wiring, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Copper, which is used more commonly, conducts electricity better, making it possible to conduct a larger current than an aluminum wire with the same diameter. read more

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Electrical: Building Wire
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Which Metals Conduct Electricity?
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