The softness of copper partly explains its high electrical conductivity (59.6×106 S/m) and thus also high thermal conductivity, which are the second highest (to silver) among pure metals at room temperature. This is because the resistivity to electron transport in metals at room temperature mostly originates from scattering of electrons on thermal vibrations of the lattice, which are relatively weak for a soft metal. The maximum permissible current density of copper in open air is approximately 3.1×106 A/m2 of cross-sectional area, above which it begins to heat excessively. As with other metals, if copper is placed against another metal, galvanic corrosion will occur. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is the explanation for copper's capacity for electrical conductivity? ANS1 The softness QSN2 What metal has a higher thermal conductivity than copper? ANS2 silver QSN3 What is the maximum premissible current density in open air of copper? ANS3 3.1×106 A/m2 QSN4 What occurs when copper is placed touching another metal? ANS4 corrosion QSN5 What happens to copper if an electrical current gets too high? ANS5 it begins to heat excessively