Steel wire has what percentage of conductivity in comparison to copper?

The conductivity of steel wire compared to copper is indeed in the range of 10% to 15%. Copper is known for its excellent conductivity, which is why it is widely used in electrical wiring and applications requiring high electrical efficiency. Steel, on the other hand, contains iron and provides significantly lower conductivity due to its different metal composition and crystalline structure.

In practical terms, when comparing the electrical conductivity of materials, copper is often used as the benchmark with a conductivity standard set at 100%. Steel's lower percentage indicates that it does not allow electric current to flow as readily as copper does. This fundamental understanding helps in making informed choices when selecting materials for electrical applications, as the efficiency and performance can be directly affected by the conductivity of the wire being used.