Final answer:
Copper wire aids in electrical conductivity due to its low resistivity, high tensile strength, and ductility. While silver has higher conductivity, copper is preferred for its cost-effectiveness. Aluminum and other materials also have uses in wiring but with trade-offs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Copper wire is used in electrical wiring because the metallic bonding between the atoms aids with the conductivity of the material. Copper has several properties that make it an excellent choice for wiring, such as its high electrical conductivity, significant tensile strength, and high ductility. While silver may have even higher electrical conductivity than copper, it is too expensive for widespread use in wiring, making copper a more economical choice.
Other materials used for wiring include aluminum, which is lighter and less expensive but has a higher electrical resistance than copper. Glass and steel wires are also used in certain applications, with each offering unique properties like insulation or structural support but generally exhibiting poorer conductivity compared to copper or aluminum.
There is a variety of factors to consider when selecting materials for wiring applications, and each material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages related to cost, conductivity, strength, and ductility.