Final answer:
When bending smaller sizes of conduit, an advantage can be gained by using copper. Copper is malleable and ductile, making it easier to bend into shape and stretch into thin wires. However, aluminum wires are cheaper but have lower ductility and tensile strength, as well as a higher rate of thermal expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When bending smaller sizes of conduit, an advantage can be gained by using copper. Copper is a malleable and ductile material, meaning it can be bent into shape without breaking and can be stretched into thin wires. Copper wires have a higher resistance per length compared to aluminum wires, so a larger diameter is needed to match the resistance. However, copper is more expensive than aluminum. While aluminum is cheaper, it has lower ductility and tensile strength and a higher rate of thermal expansion. Special techniques must be used when using aluminum wires to prevent loose connections and fire hazards.