Here's why:
* Copper is a metal: Metals have free electrons that can easily move and carry an electric current.
* Silicon is a semiconductor: Semiconductors have a limited number of free electrons. Their conductivity is between that of a conductor and an insulator.
Key differences:
* Conductivity: Copper has a much higher electrical conductivity than silicon.
* Resistivity: Copper has a much lower electrical resistivity than silicon.
* Applications: Copper is widely used in electrical wiring, while silicon is primarily used in semiconductors and electronics.
In summary: Copper is a far better conductor of electricity due to its metallic nature and abundance of free electrons. Silicon, on the other hand, is a semiconductor with limited conductivity.