Two wires of equal length, one of aluminium and the other of copper have the same resistance. Which of the two wires is lighter? Hence explain why aluminium wires are preferred for overhead power cables. (ρAl = 2.63 × 10−8 Ω m, ρCu = 1.72 × 10−8 Ω m, Relative density of Al = 2.7, of Cu = 8.9.)

Resistivity of aluminium,ρAl= 2.63 × 10−8Ω m Relative density of aluminium,d1= 2.7 Letl1be the length of aluminium wire andm1be its mass. Resistance of the aluminium wire =R1 Area of cross-section of the aluminium wire =A1 Resistivity of copper,ρCu= 1.72 × 10−8Ω m Relative density of copper,d2= 8.9 Letl2be the length of copper wire andm2be its mass. Resistance of the copper wire =R2 Area of cross-section of the copper wire =A2 The two relations can be written as It is given that, And, Mass of the aluminium wire, m1= Volume × Density =A1l1×d1=A1l1d1… (3) Mass of the copper wire, m2= Volume × Density =A2l2×d2=A2l2d2… (4) Dividing equation (3) by equation (4), we obtain It can be inferred from this ratio thatm1is less thanm2. Hence, aluminium is lighter than copper. Since aluminium is lighter, it is preferred for overhead power cables over copper. read less