Question

Use the data in the Table given below to answer the following –

Which material is the best conductor?

Table give below Electrical resistivity of some substances at 20°C

Electrical resistivity of some substances at 20°C
−	Material	Resistivity (Ω m)
Conductors	Silver	1.60 × 10−8
	Copper	1.62 × 10−8
	Aluminium	2.63 × 10−8
	Tungsten	5.20 × 10−8
	Nickel	6.84 × 10−8
	Iron	10.0 × 10−8
	Chromium	12.9 × 10−8
	Mercury	94.0 × 10−8
	Manganese	1.84 × 10−6
Alloys	Constantan (alloy of Cu and Ni)	49 × 10−6
	Manganin (alloy of Cu, Mn and Ni)	44 × 10−6
	Nichrome (alloy of Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe)	100 × 10−6
Insulators	Glass	1010 − 1014
	Hard rubber	1013 − 1016
	Ebonite	1015 − 1017
	Diamond	1012 − 1013
	Paper (dry)	1012

Answer 1

It can be observed from the Table given in the question that the resistivity of silver is the lowest among the listed materials. Hence, it is the best conductor.

Answer 2

Silver is the best conductor as its resistivity (ρ) is the least, i.e., 1.60 × 10^-8 Ωm.