Electrical conductor

File:Electrical wires near Putim.jpg

Electrical wires near Putim

File:Resistivity geometry.png

Resistivity geometry

Electrical conductor

An electrical conductor is a material that allows the flow of electric current in one or more directions. Materials made of metal are common electrical conductors. Electrical conductors are used in a variety of applications, including electrical wiring, electronic components, and power transmission.

Properties of Electrical Conductors

Electrical conductors have several key properties that make them suitable for conducting electricity:

• High electrical conductivity: This is the ability of a material to allow the flow of electric current. Metals such as copper and aluminum are known for their high electrical conductivity.
• Low resistivity: Resistivity is the measure of how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current. Conductors have low resistivity, which means they allow current to pass through them easily.
• Thermal conductivity: Good electrical conductors also tend to be good thermal conductors, meaning they can transfer heat efficiently.

Common Electrical Conductors

Some of the most common materials used as electrical conductors include:

• Copper: Widely used in electrical wiring due to its excellent conductivity and flexibility.
• Aluminum: Used in power transmission lines because it is lighter than copper and less expensive.
• Gold: Used in high-quality electronic components and connectors due to its resistance to corrosion.
• Silver: Has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals but is less commonly used due to its high cost.

Applications

Electrical conductors are essential in various applications, including:

• Electrical wiring: Conductors are used to connect electrical devices and distribute power within buildings and machinery.
• Electronic components: Conductors are used in the manufacturing of components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
• Power transmission: Conductors are used in overhead and underground power lines to transmit electricity from power plants to consumers.

Related Concepts

• Insulator (electricity): A material that resists the flow of electric current.
• Semiconductor: A material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator.
• Superconductor: A material that can conduct electricity with zero resistance at very low temperatures.

See Also

• Electrical resistance
• Ohm's law
• Electromagnetism
• Electric circuit
• Conductor (music)

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