As a materials scientist with a focus on electrical conductivity, I can provide a detailed comparison between iron and copper as conductors.

When it comes to electrical conductivity, copper is indeed a better conductor than iron. The reason for this lies in the atomic structure and the way electrons are arranged in these metals.

Metals are good conductors because the electrons in their outer shell, known as valence electrons, are not tightly bound to the atoms. These electrons can move freely throughout the metal lattice, allowing for the flow of electric current. The conductivity of a metal is largely determined by the number of free electrons available to carry the current and the ease with which these electrons can move.

Copper has one valence electron, which means it can easily donate this electron to the conduction process. This results in a high number of free electrons that can move about the metal lattice, leading to excellent electrical conductivity. Copper's atomic structure facilitates this movement with minimal resistance, making it one of the best conductors among all elements.

On the other hand, iron has four valence electrons. While it does contribute to conductivity, the presence of more electrons complicates the flow. Iron's atomic structure is such that its valence electrons are not as free to move as those in copper. Furthermore, iron tends to form a more complex lattice structure which can impede the flow of electrons, resulting in higher electrical resistance compared to copper.

Another factor to consider is the purity of the metal. Pure copper is used in electrical wiring due to its high conductivity. However, iron is often found in the form of alloys, such as steel, which contain other elements that can further reduce its conductivity. The presence of impurities or alloying elements can disrupt the electron flow, thus reducing the overall conductivity of the material.

In practical applications, copper is preferred for electrical wiring and components due to its superior conductivity, ductility, and resistance to corrosion. Iron, while a good conductor, is not as efficient in electrical applications due to its higher resistance. However, iron has its own advantages in other areas such as structural applications where its strength and durability are more important than its electrical properties.

In conclusion, when comparing the electrical conductivity of iron and copper, copper is the clear winner due to its atomic structure that allows for a higher number of free electrons and less resistance to their flow. This makes copper the material of choice for most electrical applications.

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Why is copper a better conductor than iron? So metals are good conductors as the electron in their outer shell is loose and can plunge out of the atom with the application of the slightest force(voltage). Silver is the best metallic conductor, then comes copper.Apr 2, 2018read more >>