5 ms·
> Copper is super-cheap, but it moves electrons too slowly for some of the most important computing tasks. Just garbage reporting.
by monochromatic 11y ago
> Copper is super-cheap, but it moves electrons too slowly for some of the most important computing tasks.
Just garbage reporting.
- yuubi 11y agoFor those who haven't had a physics class, that's garbage because silver is somewhat more conductive than copper, which is slightly more conductive than gold. The main benefit of gold is that it's more stable than copper, so it's a good material for connector contact surfaces, but the bulk of the contact should be something else like copper or steel, depending on the relative importance of electrical or mechanical properties.
- duaneb 11y agoAlso, electrons always move slowly in metal. It is the energy transfer that is meaningful.
- kyllo 11y agoBy more stable you mean it doesn't oxidize right?
- CapitalistCartr 11y agoYeah, gold is the best for contacts because, as you surmised, it stays clean of oxidation.
- fabulist 11y agoAdditionally, copper might be cheaper than gold or silver, but isn't very cheap.
- WizardlySquid 11y agoTheir tech journalists, the lowest of the low. I wouldn't trust these people to be able to push a mop.