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sierrasurfer3
Guest
Why is gold used in electronics as opposed to copper or aluminum?
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LeAnne
Guest
Not just good - it's one of the best.
It won't corrode and it can be plated over much less expensive metals to provide an excellent connection. It is often used in computer sockets and component pins.
It won't corrode and it can be plated over much less expensive metals to provide an excellent connection. It is often used in computer sockets and component pins.
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billrussell42
Guest
a lot of strange answers!
the actual numbers are:
resistivity Ag 15.9 (n?-m)
resistivity Cu 17.2 (n?-m)
resistivity Au 22.14 (n?-m)
resistivity Al 28.2 (n?-m)
where the lower the number, the lower the resistance and the higher the conductivity.
As you can see, Ag is best, with Au (gold) third. Gold would only be used where resistance to corrosion is very important.
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the actual numbers are:
resistivity Ag 15.9 (n?-m)
resistivity Cu 17.2 (n?-m)
resistivity Au 22.14 (n?-m)
resistivity Al 28.2 (n?-m)
where the lower the number, the lower the resistance and the higher the conductivity.
As you can see, Ag is best, with Au (gold) third. Gold would only be used where resistance to corrosion is very important.
.
4
40something
Guest
It is, but two things make it special, It does not corrode or oxodize, and it's somewhat soft, making a great material for connectors. The hardness was one of the big problems with Aluminum wiring. It was hard to make a good connection, and it would spark as it aged causing fires. Only a thin plating of gold is required, so it isn't very expensive.
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superlativehors
Guest
Yes, gold is a very good conductor with a free electron concentration of 5.90×1022 cm-3. Sometimes it is used over more conductive metals, such as silver, because of its high resistance to corrosion.