- #1
Missionz12
- 18
- 0
I've read that silver is the best conductor of electricity so I am curious why we do not use it in wires like we use gold,copper,etc...
Why is Silver Not Widely Used in Electrical Wires?
- Thread starter Missionz12
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the reasons why silver, despite being an excellent conductor of electricity, is not widely used in electrical wires compared to materials like copper and gold. It explores aspects of conductivity, cost, historical usage, and specific applications.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants note that while silver is the best conductor of electricity, its conductivity is only about 8% better than that of copper, which is significantly cheaper.
- Historical context is provided regarding the use of silver in specific applications, such as Calutron magnets during WWII, due to shortages of copper.
- Participants mention that copper is preferred for most applications because it balances good conductivity with lower cost, while gold is reserved for high-end applications primarily due to its corrosion resistance.
- Some participants highlight that silver plating is still utilized in RF applications to enhance performance at higher frequencies, indicating a niche use for silver.
- There is a mention of copper-plated aluminum being used in CATV lines, suggesting cost considerations influence material choices in specific contexts.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that cost and conductivity are key factors in the choice of materials for electrical wiring, but there are differing views on the extent of silver's advantages and its applications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall practicality of silver compared to other metals.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the lack of consensus on the relative benefits of silver versus copper and gold, as well as the specific conditions under which silver might be preferable in certain applications.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to those studying materials science, electrical engineering, or anyone curious about the practical applications of different conductive materials in technology.
- #2
vk6kro
Science Advisor
- 4,079
- 41
Silver is a good conductor but not all that much better than Copper which is a lot cheaper.
As you can see from the following table of resistivities, Silver is only 8% better than Copper as a conductor
Silver 1.59×10−8
Copper 1.72×10−8
Gold 2.44×10−8
Aluminium 2.82×10−8
Today,
a Kilogram of Silver is worth US$526
a Kilogram of Copper is worth US$5.84.
Gold is worth US$996 per OUNCE or US$32021 a Kilogram
As you can see from the following table of resistivities, Silver is only 8% better than Copper as a conductor
Silver 1.59×10−8
Copper 1.72×10−8
Gold 2.44×10−8
Aluminium 2.82×10−8
Today,
a Kilogram of Silver is worth US$526
a Kilogram of Copper is worth US$5.84.
Gold is worth US$996 per OUNCE or US$32021 a Kilogram
Last edited:
- #3
Bob S
- 4,662
- 8
Hello Mission Z-
During WW II, one or more Calutron magnets (very big dipole magnets) at Oak Ridge used for separating U235 from U238 (isotope separation) had silver coils. This apparently was because copper for shell casings (ordnance) was in short supply, and Fort Knox had a very large stash of silver bars. I also understand that coils in military transmitters had solid, rather than silver-plated, coils. I think all of these silver coils have been melted down. The U.S stopped making silver coins about 1966.
Bob S
During WW II, one or more Calutron magnets (very big dipole magnets) at Oak Ridge used for separating U235 from U238 (isotope separation) had silver coils. This apparently was because copper for shell casings (ordnance) was in short supply, and Fort Knox had a very large stash of silver bars. I also understand that coils in military transmitters had solid, rather than silver-plated, coils. I think all of these silver coils have been melted down. The U.S stopped making silver coins about 1966.
Bob S
- #4
Lancelot59
- 640
- 1
For the most part we use copper because it has good conductivity, and also because it's relatively cheap. Gold is used in high end applications, but as you can imagine it's expensive.
The only other metal I know of that gets used commonly is aluminum for the main lines in houses and such.
The only other metal I know of that gets used commonly is aluminum for the main lines in houses and such.
- #5
Maccara
- 12
- 0
Lancelot59 said:
Copper is still a better conductor than gold. Gold is mainly used in connectors due to its resistance to corrosion.
(unless with high end you mean hifi, where there are claims gold cables "sound" better
) (of course not backed up by any science at all, but that's not surprising considering they also use cable stands to give the sound some "air" 
)- #6
Mike_In_Plano
- 700
- 35
I still see silver plating used in RF work. Due to the shallow skin depth at higher frequencies, it's practical to plate waveguides, resonators, and coils for matching networks. Thus Q values are increased and losses are reduced.
I've also seen copper plated aluminum used for the center conductor of CATV lines. I assume this is because copper is more expensive than aluminum, but again, only a thin layer is needed.
- Mike
I've also seen copper plated aluminum used for the center conductor of CATV lines. I assume this is because copper is more expensive than aluminum, but again, only a thin layer is needed.
- Mike