Question

Which of the following metals is particularly suitable for operations in very high ambient temperatures ?
1. Aluminium
2. Copper
3. Gold
4. Silver

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Aluminium

Aluminium:

• Aluminum conductors are particularly suitable for operations in very high ambient temperatures.
• It is used in the aircraft industry as it is low in weight.
• Electrochemical plants has enormous users of aluminum busbars. This is because electrolytic cells operate with heavy currents at low voltages and to carry these currents massive bars are required.
• The current carrying capacity of aluminum being 75% that of copper and its density being approximately one-third that of copper an aluminum busbar is only about half the weight of copper busbar of equal current carrying capacity. Since aluminum costs a little less than copper, an aluminum busbar will cost only about half as much as its copper counterpart.
• The steel reinforced aluminum conductor (ACSR) is extensively being used for long span transmission lines.
• In the commercial form aluminum is obtainable with a purity of about 99% but it is generally alloyed with small quantities of copper, zinc, nickel or magnesium to improve its hardness and strength.