Conductivity question

[Coach James]

Why does copper have a lower resistivity than aluminum? Copper has a higher electronegativity and first ionization energy so I would think aluminum would have a lower resistivity.

Coach

 

[Gary S]

Because it does.

 

[z28snksknr]

You kind of answered you own question there. A higher electro-negativity means that copper is more apt at transferring electrons between neighboring copper atoms. Hence, ease of electron transfer = lower resistivity.

 

[z28snksknr]

Because it does.

I almost posted a similar answer.

 

[Coach James]

Because it does.

Thanks for clearing that up. Kind of makes me wish I had thought of that.

Coach

 

[thammel]

Also, the thermal conductivity of copper is higher than aluminum. Cu has a k of about 220 Btu/(hr-ft-F) whereas aluminum is around 100 in the same units. Of course, Al is a lot lighter (less dense) than Cu.

Tom

 

[Teken]

Silver is a better conductor then both of them, but costs is a factor!

 

[Ch3No2]

And then there's GOLD$$$$

 

[Teken]

And then there's GOLD$$$$

Gold, is not a better conductor . . . It does have better rust inhibiting properties compared to other metals . . .

 

[gary300]

Good explanation here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistivity