Why Is Copper More Conductive Than Iron Despite Fewer Free Electrons?

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The conductivity of metals is influenced not only by the number of free electrons but also by factors such as scattering from ions and impurities. Copper, despite having fewer free electrons than iron, is more conductive due to lower scattering cross sections. The discussion highlights the importance of these scattering effects in determining overall conductivity. Participants express interest in specific figures for the scattering cross-sectional areas of copper and iron. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending metal conductivity.
rachelcapt
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I thought the thing that makes a metal more conductive is the number of free electrons...

How then is copper more conductive than iron when copper has only 8.47 (x10^22) free electrons per cm cubed compared to a massive 17 for iron?

If someone could explain this to me my face will go like this :-)

Thanks
 
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The scattering cross section of ions and other impurities is higher in Fe.

JMD
 
Thanks for your replies - that sounds right.

Does anyone have any figures for the scattering cross sectional areas of Cu and Fe?
 

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