What is the conductivity of Gold in S m^-1 at 298.15 K?

The correct answer is 4.5 × 10³ S m-1.

Key Points

• The conductivity of gold is approximately 4.5 × 10³ S m^-1 at 298.15 K.
• Gold is known for its excellent electrical conductivity, surpassed only by copper and silver.
• At standard room temperature (298.15 K), gold's high conductivity is due to the low resistivity and high density of free electrons.
• Gold is often used in electronic components like connectors, switch contacts, and relay contacts because of its reliable conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
• The conductivity of a material is influenced by temperature, and for metals like gold, conductivity typically decreases as temperature increases.

Additional Information

• Electrical Conductivity:
  • It is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current.
  • Conductivity is denoted by the symbol σ and measured in siemens per meter (S m-1).
  • Materials with high conductivity, like metals, are used in electrical wiring and components.
• Factors Affecting Conductivity:
  • Temperature: Conductivity of metals decreases with an increase in temperature.
  • Impurities: The presence of impurities can reduce the conductivity of a material.
  • Crystal Structure: The arrangement of atoms in a metal can impact its conductivity.
• Applications of Gold in Electronics:
  • Gold is used in high-reliability electronics, including spacecraft, aircraft, and certain medical devices.
  • Its resistance to corrosion ensures long-term reliability of electronic connections.
• Comparison with Other Conductive Materials:
  • Silver has the highest electrical conductivity (6.3 × 10^7 S m-1).
  • Copper is the second most conductive metal (5.8 × 10^7 S m-1), and it is widely used in electrical wiring.