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Which material would make the best conductor from the options below?
a) Plastic
b) Ebonite
c) Wood
d) Copper
e) Glass

Sagot :

Answer:

d. Copper

Explanation:

Copper is conductive primarily due to its atomic structure and the way its electrons behave. Here are the key reasons why copper is such a good conductor of electricity:

Atomic Structure: Copper has a single valence electron in its outer shell. This electron is relatively free to move between atoms, allowing for easy flow of electrical current.

High Electron Mobility: The arrangement of copper atoms allows electrons to move freely through the material with minimal resistance. This property is crucial for electrical conductivity.

Low Resistivity: Copper has a low electrical resistivity, which means it allows electric current to flow with very little hindrance or loss of energy as heat.

Ductility and Malleability: Copper is highly ductile and malleable, allowing it to be easily drawn into wires and shaped into various forms without losing its conductivity.

Corrosion Resistance: Copper forms a thin layer of oxide on its surface, which actually protects it from further corrosion and helps maintain its conductivity over time.

These properties make copper one of the most widely used materials in electrical applications, from wiring and cables to electrical components and circuitry.