Which metal is commonly used as a reliable electrical conductor in wiring?

Which metal is commonly used as a reliable electrical conductor in wiring?

• A. Copper
• B. Carbon
• C. Plastic
• D. Glass

Answer: (A)

Copper is favored for wiring because it combines high electrical conductivity with excellent ductility and workability. Its conductivity is among the best of metals, allowing thin wires to carry substantial currents with minimal voltage loss. Copper can be drawn into long, flexible wires and terminated reliably at terminals, and it accepts soldering or crimping without degrading the connection. It also resists corrosion and forms durable joints with standard insulation and fittings, helping maintain performance over time. Although silver conducts slightly better, its cost makes it impractical for general wiring, so copper remains the common choice. The other options don’t fit: plastic and glass are insulators, so they don’t conduct under normal conditions, and carbon, while conductive in some forms, is not a metal and isn’t used as the standard reliable conductor in building wiring.

Copper is favored for wiring because it combines high electrical conductivity with excellent ductility and workability. Its conductivity is among the best of metals, allowing thin wires to carry substantial currents with minimal voltage loss. Copper can be drawn into long, flexible wires and terminated reliably at terminals, and it accepts soldering or crimping without degrading the connection. It also resists corrosion and forms durable joints with standard insulation and fittings, helping maintain performance over time. Although silver conducts slightly better, its cost makes it impractical for general wiring, so copper remains the common choice. The other options don’t fit: plastic and glass are insulators, so they don’t conduct under normal conditions, and carbon, while conductive in some forms, is not a metal and isn’t used as the standard reliable conductor in building wiring.