Vanadium is a grey-colored transition metal used in steel manufacturing. In this article, we shall discuss the electric conductivity properties of vanadium in detail.
Vanadium can conduct electricity because it is a metal and allow the electric flux to penetrate through its matter. Vanadium has a body-centered cubic structure, and the density of electrons in this structure is sufficient to conduct electricity. These electrons move freely along the lattices and conduct electricity.
We shall further discuss in detail how vanadium conducts electricity and whether vanadium and its oxide is a good conductors of electricity or not. We shall also ponder on the electrical conductivity of vanadium in detail and elaborate on its application as an electric conductor.
How does vanadium conduct electricity?
Any matter generates electricity due to the presence of charges. Let us see how the electricity is generated by the vanadium accurately.
Vanadium conducts electricity due to the presence of free electrons. The electronic configuration of vanadium is [Ar] 3d3 4s2, having three electrons in a 3d orbital. Moreover, the bcc structure of vanadium intensifies the charge density per unit volume.
Electrical Conductivity of Vanadium
The electrical conductivity is determined by the total amount of electric flux flow. Let us elaborately discuss the electrical conductivity of vanadium.
The electrical conductivity of vanadium is 5.07 × 106 S/m. It is measured as the inverse of vanadium’s electrical resistivity, equal to 197 nΏ.m. The electrical conductivity of vanadium quantifies the flow of electric current and is directly proportional to the length of the vanadium material.
Is vanadium a good conductor of electricity?
A good conductor of electricity allows the electric current to flow across it. Let us discuss whether vanadium is a good or bad conductor of electricity.
Vanadium is a good conductor of electricity because it allows the current to flow across it and generates electricity. The resistivity of vanadium to restrain the flow of electric current through it is very small and thus allows the free flow of electric fluxes through it making it a good conductor of electricity.
Uses of Vanadium as Conductor
Vanadium is used for various purposes in electronics due to its good electric conductivity. Let us list some of the uses of vanadium as a conductor.
- Vanadium redox batteries are used to produce high power and are long lived.
- V is used in the iron and steel industry to improve strength and heat resistance.
- V is used in lighting, transistors, and welding torches.
- V is used in a nuclear reactor as it absorbs fewer neutrons.
- Supermagnets are made using vanadium oxide.
Why does vanadium not conduct heat?
The good conductors of heat allow the heat to flow across the length and volume of the matter. Let us discuss why vanadium does not conduct heat flow.
Vanadium does not conduct heat because it acts as an insulator and does not allow heat energy to transmit through its matter. Its thermal conductivity is 30.7 W/mK and shows the behavior of conductor and insulator at varying degrees due to the phase transition of matter throughout its volume at different temperatures.
Does vanadium oxide conduct electricity?
Most metal oxides do not allow the electric flow of current. Let us discuss whether it is the same in the case of vanadium oxides.
Vanadium oxide conducts electricity and is a good conductor due to the drift velocity of electrons in its matter. It is the only metal and the metal oxide that generates the electric energy but does not transmit the heat energy as seen in the case of the other metallic good conductors.
Does vanadium oxide conduct heat?
Vanadium oxides are used in thermoelectric equipment and window coating. Let us understand whether it can conduct heat or not.
Vanadium oxide does not conduct heat at any temperature. The entire chemical energy of vanadium oxide is converted into electrical energy without losing heat, generating a huge power. Hence, it is used in most thermoelectric equipment to keep the temperature low.
Conclusion
We can conclude from this article that vanadium is a good conductor of electricity due to the availability of free electrons in its valence 3d orbital. It also behaves as an insulator and does not allow the heat flux to pass through it due to the phase transition of vanadium at different temperatures.
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Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess.
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