Question

Compare copper and aluminium on the basis of: (i) Tensile strength (ii) Conductivity (iii) Specific gravity (iv) Application.

Answer 1

Here’s a simple comparison between copper and aluminum based on the four properties you mentioned:

1. Tensile Strength:

   - Copper: Copper has a higher tensile strength compared to aluminum. It is stronger and more durable, which makes it more suitable for applications where strength is crucial, like in heavy-duty electrical cables or wiring.
   - Aluminum: Aluminum has lower tensile strength than copper. While it is still strong, it is not as resistant to stretching or breaking under load as copper.

2. Conductivity:

   - Copper: Copper is known for its excellent electrical conductivity. It is the standard material used for electrical wiring because it allows electricity to flow with very low resistance.
   - Aluminum: Aluminum has lower electrical conductivity compared to copper, but it is still a good conductor of electricity. It is often used for power transmission lines because it is lighter and cheaper than copper, though it needs larger cross-sectional areas to match copper's conductivity.

3. Specific Gravity (Density):

   - Copper: Copper has a higher specific gravity, meaning it is denser and heavier than aluminum. Its specific gravity is around 8.96.
   - Aluminum: Aluminum is much lighter, with a specific gravity of about 2.7. This makes aluminum useful in applications where reducing weight is important.

4. Applications:

   - Copper: Copper is used in applications that require high strength and high electrical conductivity, such as electrical wiring, motors, transformers, and electronics. It is also used in plumbing, roofing, and in the making of various alloys.
   - Aluminum: Aluminum is commonly used in applications where lightweight and corrosion resistance are important. It is used in power transmission lines, aircraft, automotive parts, and packaging (like aluminum foil). In electrical applications, it is used in overhead power lines and in cables when weight and cost are key considerations.

Summary:

1. Copper is stronger and has better conductivity, but it’s heavier and more expensive.
   

1. Aluminum is lighter, cheaper, and still a good conductor, but it has lower strength and conductivity than copper.
   

In short, copper is often chosen for high-performance electrical and mechanical applications, while aluminum is preferred where weight, cost, and corrosion resistance are more important.