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The materials which allow heat to pass through them easily
are conductors of heat. For examples, aluminum, iron and copper. It is used as a conductor of heat and electricity, a building material, and a constituent of various metal alloys.
The major applications of copper are in electrical wires (60%), roofing and plumbing (20%) and industrial machinery (15%).
Uses of copper.
1) Copper is the main metal for electrical wiring (compare with aluminium).
2) Copper is malleable which makes it
an ideal material for gas pipes and water pipes.
3) Copper is sometimes used for cookware (not common).
4) Copper is mixed with other metals to form alloys.
Copper is mixed with zinc to make brass and with tin to make bronze.
About 65% of copper that is produced is used for electrical applications. The important uses include power generation and transmission of electricity. It is used in transformers, motors, bush bars, generators, etc., to provide electricity throughout the country, safely and efficiently. In case of electrical equipment, it is used in wiring and contacts for PC, TV, mobile phones and in various other electric circuitry. Copper is used in microprocessors as well as to transmission of electricity as it is a better conductor than aluminum. The chips used in semiconductor integrated circuits are smaller in size and thus require less energy to pass through them. Copper is also used in heat exchangers and heat sinks as it has a better heat dissipation capacity than aluminum. The cathode ray tubes, vacuum tubes as well as magnetron used in a microwave oven are made of copper.
Uses of aluminum
1) Low density and strength make aluminum ideal for
construction of aircraft, lightweight vehicles, and ladders.
An alloy of aluminum called duralumin is often used
instead of pure aluminum because of its improved properties.
2) Easy shaping and corrosion resistance make aluminum
a good material for drink cans and roofing materials.
3) Corrosion resistance and low density leads to its use
for greenhouses and window frames.
4) Good conduction of heat leads to its use
for boilers, cookers and cookware.
5) Good conduction of electricity leads to its use
for overhead power cables hung from pylons
(low density gives it an advantage over copper).
6) High reflectivity makes aluminum ideal for
mirrors, reflectors and heat resistant clothing for fire fighting.
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