Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 47

..... metal is commonly used to make wires.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the electrical conductivity and malleability of the materials.

Correct Answer: D) Copper

Exam Relevance: NEET, JEE, SSC, UPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The choice of material for making wires is crucial in electrical and electronic applications. The primary requirement for a material to be used in wire manufacturing is its ability to conduct electricity efficiently. Additionally, the material should be malleable, meaning it can be easily shaped into thin wires without breaking, and it should be cost-effective for widespread use.

Copper is the most commonly used metal for making wires due to its excellent electrical conductivity. It is a good conductor of electricity because it has a high number of free electrons that can move easily through the material when an electric field is applied. This property allows copper to transmit electrical energy with minimal loss, making it ideal for electrical wiring in homes, buildings, and industrial applications.

Another important property of copper is its malleability. Copper can be easily drawn into thin wires without breaking, which is essential for manufacturing wires of various gauges and lengths. This property, combined with its conductivity, makes copper a preferred choice for wire manufacturing.

While other metals like gold are also good conductors of electricity, they are not commonly used for wire manufacturing due to their high cost. Steel, on the other hand, is not a good conductor of electricity, and granite is a non-metallic material that does not conduct electricity at all. Therefore, copper is the most suitable material for making wires.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Gold is a good conductor of electricity, but it is too expensive for common wire use, making it impractical for widespread application.
  • Option B: Granite is a non-metallic material and does not conduct electricity, making it unsuitable for wire manufacturing.
  • Option C: Steel is a strong material but is not a good conductor of electricity, which makes it unsuitable for wire manufacturing.
  • Option D: Copper is the correct answer because it is an excellent conductor of electricity, malleable, and relatively inexpensive, making it ideal for wire manufacturing.

Mnemonic: Copper conducts, not gold, granite, or steel.

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