Re: [tlug] Gold Myths in the Mists of Memory

[Ian Wells <ijw@example.com>]

On 11/26/05, Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon <ronfaxon@example.com> wrote:

Regarding my:

Isn't this the reason that some cable [contacts, as in on the surface of
plugs] are gold plated but not silver plated?  Or is oxidated silver
just as conductive to the touch as clean silver?  Starting from the
issue of a good material to place across two contacts for good
conductivity, it's relevant....

Lyle

I thought the point with gold was

(a) it doesn't tarnish, as you say
(b) it deforms easily, so that it makes a greater surface area contact with the other terminal.

Given the track record of this conversation, I expect to be proved wrong on (b) in short order.   I have a nasty feeling I picked this up from a high end hifi nut, and they're generally not the most rational of thinkers.

--
Ian.