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properties. These materials are classified into groups according to their properties. Materials that
are good electrical conductors such as silver, copper, gold and aluminum are classified as
conductors. Semiconductors are materials that conduct electricity under special conditions and
include silicon, germanium and Gallium Arsenide. Some materials are used to insulate electrical
circuits and include plastics, rubber and ceramics. Some materials have exactly zero electrical
which affect how they perform. The conductivity of the material is the property indicating the
ease of flow of an electric current through the material. The reciprocal of conductivity is
resistivity which indicates reluctance to flow of electric current in the material. These two
properties determine how good an electrical conductor is. The temperature coefficient of
resistance the material is a parameter showing how the resistance of the material changes with
temperature. The thermal properties are used to determine if the material is suitable for use in
applications with extreme temperatures. The dielectric strength is a property indicating the
materials ability to withstand high voltages and is specified for insulators to determine their
operating voltages. The contact properties of an electrical material are how the material reacts
with the environment in which it is used, such as its resistance to oxidation. The contact
properties are important to consider if the material is going to be exposed to the elements.
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FEE 361 CAT 2 F17/1544/2012
used for windings of electrical machines due to its high conductivity and easy workability.
Aluminium is used for electrical applications in the aerospace industry and electrochemical
industry due to its light weight and lower cost than copper. It is also used for long distance
transmission lines due to its resistance to oxidation. Tungsten is used for high temperature
applications such as welding, arcing and light lamps due to its high melting point and resistance
to oxidation. Steel is used as conductors for rail systems due to its rigidity and low cost. Nickel is
used for making electrodes for thermionic valves and sparking plugs. Lead is used to make cable
sheaths and the plates of acid batteries. Tin is used to make low current fuses. Alloys are used for
making highly specialized instruments that require high consistence in resistance. Carbon and
graphite are used to make brushes for electrical machines to reduce sparking and commuter wear.
The effects of pressure on conductivity of carbon makes it useful in microphones and voltage
regulators