Why is Copper a good conductor of electricity?

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Why is Copper a good conductor of electricity?

Copper is one basic element that is represented by the chemical symbol, Cu. It is characterized to be ductile and was found to be great conductors of heat and electricity. First mined in Cyprus, the original name of such metal was Cyprium, which means metal of Cyrpus. It was later shortened to the Latin word Cuprum, which is translated in English as copper. Copper is physically characterized to be malleable and ductile that comes in reddish, orangish, or brownish color. These colors are attributed to a thin layer of tarnish that copper contains. Copper is commonly used for industrial and commercial purposes such as in electronics, architecture, agriculture, alloys and biomedical applications. Copper was also found to have significant biological role. It is said to have significance in maintaining one’s health as it is one of the identified trace elements needed by the body. More so, copper is found to have significant antibacterial effect that can potentially kill harmful pathogens and microorganisms.
However, one interesting property of copper is its ability to conduct high amounts of electricity. The conducting power of copper makes it one of the most preferred electrical conductors, especially in construction of buildings and large infrastructures. Copper is a good conductor of electricity because of its huge charge density allowing more electrons to flow in its conducting system. This high charge density that copper possesses is the responsible for the slow drift of velocity that occurs when electrical charges are being discharged and transmitted. Among the many elements discovered and classified, copper is the most opted type of electrical conductor because aside from its high conductivity, it is found to be cheaper compared to the best conductor, silver.
Nowadays, copper is the most common material used for electrical wiring.

Author: plaza

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