What is the most common material used in wires?

Copper is the most common material used in wires due to its excellent electrical conductivity. It offers low resistance to electric current, which means that it allows electricity to flow through it efficiently. This property makes copper an ideal choice for various electrical applications, from household wiring to industrial power systems. Additionally, copper is relatively ductile, enabling it to be drawn into thin wires without breaking, and it has good corrosion resistance, which helps maintain performance over time.

While aluminum is another material used in wiring, especially for overhead power lines and larger conductors due to its lighter weight and cost-effectiveness, it doesn't conduct electricity as efficiently as copper. Iron and bronze are much less common for electrical wiring because they have lower conductivity and are more prone to corrosion compared to copper. Therefore, copper’s combination of conductivity, flexibility, and durability makes it the standard choice in the industry.