It is a part of a final term assignement, early reponse will be appriciated. I need some major points to complete that assignment. Tell me some physical and chemical risks and pros of both. Thank you if you are answering, if not that's ok, but do remember that you didn'y answer a question of a student.
2006-06-09 08:39:05 · 5 answers · asked by ys2i7love 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Good answers but still I need more. Thanks
2006-06-09 08:46:58 · update #1
aluminum is better fot powers grids and copper is for household wires.
2006-06-12 08:46:26 · answer #1 · answered by Fawad Ahmad 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Aluminum is much cheaper, but copper is a far better conductor.
Many older houses in our local area were built with aluminum wiring, and they are now turning into fire hazards. Older aluminum wiring has a higher resistance, so it generates a lot more heat, sometimes enough to start a fire.
Copper wire has a lower resistance, so it generates far less waste heat.
2006-06-09 15:44:53 · answer #2 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Copper is the better conductor, but corrodes faster. THink Lady Liberty. Aluminum is cheaper, but you need larger diameter wires and they overheat faster. Oh, and larger wires are harder to turn. Copper is also more pliable, in my experience, and tends to fuse together nicely when you radically overvolt it. Its like welding, but dangerous.
Overall, copper is better. Look into why electricians have stopped using Greenfield for aluminum P+C.
2006-06-09 20:38:21 · answer #3 · answered by sciguy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two of the problems with aluminum wire are increased corrosion (due in large part to electrolytic action) and thermal expansion causing loosening of screw terminals.
More details at link.
To Dave Stark: I am flabbergasted that you didn't provide a source this time. SHAME! :)
2006-06-09 21:02:25 · answer #4 · answered by James E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try reading the text book.
You know, pretend like you are a real student.
2006-06-09 15:58:48 · answer #5 · answered by Andre' B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋