(i) Brass:
Brass is an alloy of copper (60% ) and zinc ( 40%) ; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties. Brasses set the standard by which the machinability of other materials is judged and do not become brittle at low temperatures like mild steel. Brass has excellent thermal conductivity and is a first choice for heat exchangers. The following properties of brass:
* Resistivity : 7.5 x 10-8 ohm m
* Tensile strength is high
* Soldering and welding is simple.
* It has high resistance to corrosion.
* Specific gravity 8.5
* Melting point is 8900C
Uses of Brass as an electrical conductor:
1. The brass is generally used for nut bolts
2. It is also used for current carrying rods.
3. Electrical plugs and outlets use brass connections.
(ii) Silver:
Silver is the best conductor of electricity because it contains a higher number of movable atoms (free electrons). For a material to be a good conductor, the electricity passed through it must be able to move the electrons; the more free electrons in a metal, the greater its conductivity. However, silver is more expensive than other materials and is not normally used unless it is required for specialized equipment like satellites or circuit boards.
* It is a best conductor of electrical current and heat due to vary high cost it is rarely used for conducting material
* Properties are as below:
* Electrical resistivity is equal to 1.65x10-8 ohm m
* Melting point is equal to 9600C
* Ducting and malleability property is very good
* It is a well resistance to corrosion.
* The cost is very high
Uses of Silver as an electrical conductor:
1) In switches to minimize contact resistance
2) In measuring instruments
3) In relays