Conductivity of Copper Against Copper

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    Conductivity Copper
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of contact resistance when connecting two pieces of copper. When two copper surfaces are pressed together, they theoretically form a single conductive piece, resulting in minimal resistance. However, real-world factors such as surface smoothness, cleanliness, and the force applied during contact significantly influence the actual resistance encountered. The term "contact resistance" is crucial in understanding the reliability and longevity of electrical connections.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistance and conductivity
  • Familiarity with the concept of contact resistance
  • Knowledge of material properties of copper
  • Basic principles of electrical connections and connectors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of surface texture on contact resistance
  • Explore methods to improve the reliability of electrical connections
  • Learn about the impact of pressure on contact resistance in connectors
  • Investigate the role of cleanliness in minimizing contact resistance
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, materials scientists, and anyone involved in designing or maintaining electrical connections will benefit from this discussion.

chris2547
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Hi I was wondering if I took two peices of copper and held them together then ran a current through the connection what would the resistance of that be? Would it theoritically be zero, but in real life be some very small but insignificant amount?

Thanks
 
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It depends on details of how flat, smooth and clean the surfaces are and how much force you put on them to push them together.
Ultimately they join into one piece of copper and then the resistance is just that of a single piece of copper.
 
chris2547 said:
Hi I was wondering if I took two peices of copper and held them together then ran a current through the connection what would the resistance of that be? Would it theoritically be zero, but in real life be some very small but insignificant amount?

Thanks

That falls under the term "contact resistance", and depends on the pressure and the surface texture, etc.

The subject of "contact resistance" and reliability is a whole area of study when it comes to connectors -- how can you make the most reliable and long-lived contact possible...

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


EDIT -- mgp_phys beats me to the punch again...
 

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