Silver vs. gold switch contacts

[Fred Bartoli]

Yeah, Silicon oxide is a horrible conductor, and its as common as
sand. ;-)

But is Si a metal ?-)

 

[Phil Allison]

"Fred Bartoli"

But is Si a metal ?-)

** It is certainly considered to be a "metallic element" in science &
commerce - there are over 40 of them.

Pure silicon has all the usual metallic qualities, excepting good electrical
conductivity.

Now, *impure silicon* is a whole nuther ball game ......




......... Phil

 

[Roy L. Fuchs]

Haven't heard of platinum plated contacts either. Can you link to a
vendor that has any such beasts? This document speaks of using
palladium in relay contacts:

All lawn mower engine breaker points, and even cars, when they were
still in use, were made with platinum plated contacts. Modern spark
plugs have platinum plated contacts/electrodes. Modern pinball
machines have platinum plated contacts. The centrifugal contactors in
AC motors, etc.

Beasts? How long have you been sleeping, Rip?

 

[Roy L. Fuchs]

"Fred Bartoli"


** It is certainly considered to be a "metallic element" in science &
commerce - there are over 40 of them.

Pure silicon has all the usual metallic qualities, excepting good electrical
conductivity.

Now, *impure silicon* is a whole nuther ball game ......

Next to Oxygen, Silicon is the most abundant element on the planet.

 

[Phil Allison]

"Roy L. Fuchs"

Next to Oxygen, Silicon is the most abundant element on the planet.

** Silicon makes up almost 28% by weight of the earth's crust to a depth of
3 miles.

Means we have about 7 exp 15 tons currently on hand.




....... Phil