Using tin or aluminum foil is an excellent way to ensure that the food does not lose its moisture while cooking. It also is ideal for the storage of food. However, you might wonder if the tin foil can conduct electricity well or not. Look no further because we’ve answered that question for you below!
Since it is an extremely thin sheet of metal, tin or aluminum foil is a good conductor for electricity. On top of that, it also is a good conductor for heat.
Nowadays, manufacturers commonly make aluminum foil instead of tin foil. While they might sound the same, there are a few differences between them. If you want to find out all the differences and more, continue reading the next section below!
Aluminum Foil vs. Tin Foil
Most people mix the two since their usage and names are pretty similar. However, both of these products have a few distinct differences between them. Starting off with the tin foil, it is made out of thin sheets of tin and was widely available before aluminum took over.
Plus, tin foil is a little stiffer than aluminum foil as well. In terms of their uses, both of the foils serve the same purpose. Both of these foils can be used to cover/store food.
Why Did Aluminum Replace Tin Foil?
Nowadays, aluminum foil is readily available. While most people still call it tin foil out of habit, it is actually no longer made out of the tin. You must be wondering why did aluminum replace tin? The main reason for this is that the tin foil left a “tin” aftertaste in the food that it was wrapped around.
Not only that, but tin foil is also less malleable than aluminum foil, giving it a stiff texture. Also, aluminum foil is cheaper than tin, so people tend to prefer it.
How Good Is Tin Foil As A Conductor?
Since it is a thin metal sheet, tin foil is a great conductor. It was competing against copper in terms of wiring in the house for a while. However, there were tons of safety concerns, causing construction companies to stop using tin or aluminum for wiring.
A way to find out how good a conductor tin foil is to attach a dry cell battery. You’ll notice that it heats up quickly, and eventually, it will combust. However, its delicate nature holds it back from actually being used as a conductor in practical situations.
Takeaway
After in-depth research and experiments, we can safely conclude that tin foil conducts electricity quite well. However, due to it being a thin sheet of metal, there are many safety hazards. The sheet can quickly heat up and combust, so we do not recommend using it to conduct electricity. Plus, the same can be said about aluminum foil as well. Despite replacing tin foil, aluminum is also dangerous to use as a conductor, even though it is a good one.
