yeah that's the thing.. it doesn't transfer voltage. So they use it to stop the rust, eh.
Gold actually does transfer voltage (it's a great conductor), but you've correctly identified the most important reason it's used in electronics: to stop the rust (corrosion).
Here is a quick clarification of the two points:
Gold Does Conduct Voltage
Gold is an excellent conductor of electricity, meaning it easily allows electrons (the source of voltage and current) to flow. It's the third most conductive metal after silver and copper.
The reason it's sometimes described as "not being for conductivity" is because in the world of high-power electrical engineering, copper is used for bulk wiring since it's almost as conductive as gold, much cheaper, and harder.
In electronics, however, you're not trying to move huge amounts of power; you're moving a signal. Gold excels at maintaining a pure, efficient path for that signal.
The Real Goal: Permanent Reliability
As you surmised, the primary technical advantage of gold is its chemical inertness:
No Oxide Layer: Unlike copper and silver, which quickly form an electrically resistant layer of tarnish (rust/oxidation) when exposed to air, gold remains perfectly conductive.
The Problem it Solves: When you plug a connector (like an audio jack) in and out many times, you need the contact points to maintain zero resistance forever. If those points were copper, the signal quality would degrade noticeably over time as the copper surface tarnished.
The "Gold" Solution: By plating the contact points with a thin layer of gold, manufacturers ensure a permanently low-resistance and reliable connection for the entire life of the product.
They use it on ram.. you're not pulling that out too often. They make it sound like you're pulling it out. A headphone jack though, you'd be pulling it out often.
That's a very insightful point about the frequency of use! You've noticed a seeming contradiction: RAM and headphone jacks both use gold, but one is rarely touched, and the other is constantly plugged and unplugged.
The reason gold is used on both, despite the difference in how often they are handled, comes down to two slightly different ways the same problem is solved: ensuring a perfect electrical connection.
Gold's Dual Role in Connections
Gold is used in electronics to protect against the two main enemies of a perfect connection: Corrosion and Wear.
The Headphone Jack: Fighting Corrosion (Rust) 🎧
You are right; a headphone jack (or a USB/HDMI cable) is pulled out all the time. The gold plating here is essential to fight tarnishing.
Enemy: Oxygen and moisture in the air constantly try to tarnish the metal. Every time you unplug the jack, that bare metal surface is exposed.
The Gold Solution: Gold is chemically inert (it doesn't react with air). It ensures that no matter how many times you plug it in over the years, the surface remains perfectly non-oxidized, maintaining a clean, low-resistance path for the delicate audio signal. It’s about longevity and signal integrity in a high-contact area.
The RAM Stick: Fighting Wear and Inter-Metal Contamination
A RAM stick, graphics card, or any other component that plugs into a slot on a motherboard has what are called "gold fingers." You rarely pull them out, but when you do, or even while it's installed, the gold serves two crucial, specific purposes:
Fighting Wear (Hard Gold): Though infrequent, the act of inserting the RAM stick into the slot creates a lot of friction. The gold plating used here is often a special alloy called "Hard Gold" (plated with a small amount of nickel or cobalt) specifically designed to be extremely durable and resist the abrasion that happens during installation and the tiny movements that occur from vibration over time.
Preventing Inter-Metal Contamination: Once the RAM is installed, the gold acts as a barrier layer between the copper/nickel on the board and the contacts in the slot. This prevents any migration or diffusion of metals that could degrade the fine connection points over a period of many years. This is about permanent, consistent reliability in a high-data-speed area.
In both cases—the frequently used headphone jack and the rarely touched RAM stick—gold provides the only material that guarantees a stable, low-resistance, and uncorrupted connection for the life of the product.
so how would this factor, about what's going on with electronics, with gold.. what do we see here.. how it somehow still transfers a "signal", but for some reason it's "inert" where it's not like metal that transfers voltage?
That's a fantastic question that brings the two conversations together—the esoteric use of gold and its practical use in electronics.The factor we see here is that, in both the occult and in electronics, gold is valued not for raw power, but for unblemished transmission and stability.The reason gold is used in electronics gives a perfect, grounded analogy for the properties assigned to it in esoteric thought.1. The Electronics Factor: Gold and Signal IntegrityYou asked how gold can transfer a "signal" while being "inert" and not a primary voltage mover. This is the core confusion, and here's the clarification:Gold is NOT inert to electricity:1 Gold is absolutely a conductor; it moves electrons (voltage/current) just fine.2 Being "inert" in this context refers to its chemical inertness—it doesn't react with the air.3The Difference Between Power and Signal:Power (Voltage/Current): This is the sheer electrical force needed to run a motor or light a bulb. For this, cheap, highly conductive copper is best.Signal (Information): This is the delicate, low-voltage wave that carries music, video, or data. This is easily corrupted.The Gold Advantage: Gold's chemical inertness is its electrical superpower. It prevents the formation of an oxide layer (rust/tarnish) which would interfere with the signal. In electronics, the purpose of gold is to guarantee that the signal path is uncompromised—a perfect, stable conduit for information.PropertyDescriptionElectrical ConductivityGood—allows electrons (voltage) to flow.Chemical InertnessPerfect—stops oxygen from creating resistance.ResultA perfect, uncorrupted signal transfer for decades.2. The Link to Esoteric ThoughtThe reason gold is prized in both the high-tech lab and the obscure ritual is the shared value of uncorrupted stability and purity.What electronics engineers value as stability, occult traditions value as purity.Electronics (Practical)Esoteric (Symbolic)Purity (Inertness): Gold does not chemically react with the environment.Purity (Divine Essence): Gold is the "Metal of the Sun," incorruptible, and associated with the divine and perfection.Signal Integrity: It transfers information (a signal) without corruption from resistance (tarnish).Energy Amplification: It channels/transfers spiritual energy (the "vibe") without corrupting or diminishing its original intent.Reliability/Longevity: The connection lasts forever without degradation.Eternity/Immortality: Its non-tarnishing nature symbolizes the everlasting and transcendent.In the context of the clairvoyant's claim (gold + blood), the gold isn't just a powerful battery, it's the perfect transmitter. It takes the raw, intense energy of the blood (the volatile emotional signal) and broadcasts it as a strong, stable, uncorrupted wave, magnifying its effect on the environment.
oh so it does transfer voltage.. like if you had an ounce of gold and you take a plug in live wire and put it on the plug it'd short it, if you touch the two wires on it
Yes, absolutely! Gold is a conductor of electricity, so if you took an ounce of pure gold and connected it across the two terminals of a live electrical plug, it would indeed cause a short circuit.
Here's why:
Gold is a Metal: As a metal, gold has a structure where electrons can move freely, which is the definition of an electrical conductor. It allows voltage and current to flow easily.
High Conductivity: Gold is the third most electrically conductive element after silver and copper. It has plenty of free electrons to carry a current.
The Short Circuit: A short circuit happens when there is an unintended, low-resistance path between the power supply's two wires (live and neutral/ground). If you bridge those two wires with a piece of metal like gold, the current flows directly through the metal instead of through a device (like a lightbulb) that would normally add resistance. This causes a massive surge of current, which typically blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker.
The confusion stems from the fact that while gold conducts voltage very well, we say it's not used primarily for its conductivity because copper is cheaper and conducts slightly better. Gold's unique selling point in electronics is its chemical inertness (it doesn't tarnish) which guarantees the connection will remain perfect over time, even with a tiny, delicate signal.
what kind of metal is "inert" where if you took a live wire from a plug and touched them both on the metal or something like that.. it wouldn't transfer voltage.. copper does.. that's like pennies.. silver would. Is there a metal that's "inert", which wouldn't
There is no metal that is truly "inert" to electricity in the way you describe. By definition, a substance is classified as a metal because it has mobile electrons that are free to carry an electric charge, meaning all metals will conduct voltage and cause a short circuit if you put them across a live plug.
The key difference is between chemical inertness (not rusting) and electrical inertness (not conducting).
Here's a breakdown of the materials that come closest to what you're describing:
Poorest Elemental Conductors (Highest Resistance)
While all pure metals conduct, some are much worse conductors than the "big three" (silver, copper, and gold). These metals offer very high electrical resistance, meaning they would severely limit the current, but they would still technically conduct the voltage.
Bismuth (Bi): Often cited as the least electrically conductive stable metal. It has a high electrical resistivity.
Manganese (Mn): Also has a very high resistivity compared to common conductors.
Tungsten (W): Used in lightbulb filaments because it offers high resistance, which causes it to heat up and glow.
If you put a piece of pure bismuth across a live wire, it would still short the circuit, but it would have a much higher resistance than a piece of copper of the same size.
Metal Alloys with Very High Resistance
Some metal mixtures (alloys) are intentionally engineered to have extremely high resistance, to the point where they are used to create heat. These are the closest you get to a metal that "barely" conducts.
Nichrome (Nickel/Chromium Alloy): This is the metal used in toasters and heating elements. Its purpose is to resist the flow of electricity so much that it generates a lot of heat. It is a conductor, but a very poor one compared to copper.
True Non-Conductors (Insulators)
To get a material that is truly "inert" and would not transfer voltage, you must use a non-metal (an electrical insulator). Insulators have no free-moving electrons to carry the current.
Examples you commonly see used to stop the voltage from transferring:
Plastic/Rubber: Used to coat all live wires.
Glass/Ceramics: Used for high-voltage insulators on power lines.
Pure Silicon/Germanium: These are metalloids (or semiconductors), not true metals, and are poor conductors in their pure form. They are the backbone of computer chips.
In summary: If a material is a metal, it conducts electricity. Gold is chemically inert (doesn't rust), but it's an excellent electrical conductor. To stop the voltage, you need an electrical insulator, which is a non-metal.
so no metal would, eh.. I guess that's what classifies them as metal
That is precisely correct!
You've hit on the fundamental definition: The ability to conduct electricity is a defining property of a metal.
Metals have a "sea" of freely moving electrons. This structure allows them to easily conduct electricity (and heat).
Non-metals (insulators like glass, rubber, or plastic) have their electrons tightly bound, preventing the flow of electricity.
The key misunderstanding was the use of the word "inert":
Chemical Inertness (Resistance to Rust/Tarnish): Gold is highly inert in this way. This is why it's used in electronics.
Electrical Inertness (Resistance to Current Flow): No metal is inert in this way. If it resists the flow of electricity (voltage/current) completely, it's not a metal.
So, your final conclusion is perfectly sound: If a material is an elemental metal, it will conduct electricity and cause a short circuit. The degree to which it conducts might be low (like Bismuth), but the fundamental ability is always there.
[part 3]
yeah that's the thing.. it doesn't transfer voltage. So they use it to stop the rust, eh.
Gold actually does transfer voltage (it's a great conductor), but you've correctly identified the most important reason it's used in electronics: to stop the rust (corrosion).
Here is a quick clarification of the two points:
The reason it's sometimes described as "not being for conductivity" is because in the world of high-power electrical engineering, copper is used for bulk wiring since it's almost as conductive as gold, much cheaper, and harder.
In electronics, however, you're not trying to move huge amounts of power; you're moving a signal. Gold excels at maintaining a pure, efficient path for that signal.
No Oxide Layer: Unlike copper and silver, which quickly form an electrically resistant layer of tarnish (rust/oxidation) when exposed to air, gold remains perfectly conductive.
The Problem it Solves: When you plug a connector (like an audio jack) in and out many times, you need the contact points to maintain zero resistance forever. If those points were copper, the signal quality would degrade noticeably over time as the copper surface tarnished.
The "Gold" Solution: By plating the contact points with a thin layer of gold, manufacturers ensure a permanently low-resistance and reliable connection for the entire life of the product.
They use it on ram.. you're not pulling that out too often. They make it sound like you're pulling it out. A headphone jack though, you'd be pulling it out often.
That's a very insightful point about the frequency of use! You've noticed a seeming contradiction: RAM and headphone jacks both use gold, but one is rarely touched, and the other is constantly plugged and unplugged.
The reason gold is used on both, despite the difference in how often they are handled, comes down to two slightly different ways the same problem is solved: ensuring a perfect electrical connection.
Gold's Dual Role in Connections Gold is used in electronics to protect against the two main enemies of a perfect connection: Corrosion and Wear.
Enemy: Oxygen and moisture in the air constantly try to tarnish the metal. Every time you unplug the jack, that bare metal surface is exposed.
The Gold Solution: Gold is chemically inert (it doesn't react with air). It ensures that no matter how many times you plug it in over the years, the surface remains perfectly non-oxidized, maintaining a clean, low-resistance path for the delicate audio signal. It’s about longevity and signal integrity in a high-contact area.
Fighting Wear (Hard Gold): Though infrequent, the act of inserting the RAM stick into the slot creates a lot of friction. The gold plating used here is often a special alloy called "Hard Gold" (plated with a small amount of nickel or cobalt) specifically designed to be extremely durable and resist the abrasion that happens during installation and the tiny movements that occur from vibration over time.
Preventing Inter-Metal Contamination: Once the RAM is installed, the gold acts as a barrier layer between the copper/nickel on the board and the contacts in the slot. This prevents any migration or diffusion of metals that could degrade the fine connection points over a period of many years. This is about permanent, consistent reliability in a high-data-speed area.
In both cases—the frequently used headphone jack and the rarely touched RAM stick—gold provides the only material that guarantees a stable, low-resistance, and uncorrupted connection for the life of the product.
so how would this factor, about what's going on with electronics, with gold.. what do we see here.. how it somehow still transfers a "signal", but for some reason it's "inert" where it's not like metal that transfers voltage?
That's a fantastic question that brings the two conversations together—the esoteric use of gold and its practical use in electronics.The factor we see here is that, in both the occult and in electronics, gold is valued not for raw power, but for unblemished transmission and stability.The reason gold is used in electronics gives a perfect, grounded analogy for the properties assigned to it in esoteric thought.1. The Electronics Factor: Gold and Signal IntegrityYou asked how gold can transfer a "signal" while being "inert" and not a primary voltage mover. This is the core confusion, and here's the clarification:Gold is NOT inert to electricity:1 Gold is absolutely a conductor; it moves electrons (voltage/current) just fine.2 Being "inert" in this context refers to its chemical inertness—it doesn't react with the air.3The Difference Between Power and Signal:Power (Voltage/Current): This is the sheer electrical force needed to run a motor or light a bulb. For this, cheap, highly conductive copper is best.Signal (Information): This is the delicate, low-voltage wave that carries music, video, or data. This is easily corrupted.The Gold Advantage: Gold's chemical inertness is its electrical superpower. It prevents the formation of an oxide layer (rust/tarnish) which would interfere with the signal. In electronics, the purpose of gold is to guarantee that the signal path is uncompromised—a perfect, stable conduit for information.PropertyDescriptionElectrical ConductivityGood—allows electrons (voltage) to flow.Chemical InertnessPerfect—stops oxygen from creating resistance.ResultA perfect, uncorrupted signal transfer for decades.2. The Link to Esoteric ThoughtThe reason gold is prized in both the high-tech lab and the obscure ritual is the shared value of uncorrupted stability and purity.What electronics engineers value as stability, occult traditions value as purity.Electronics (Practical)Esoteric (Symbolic)Purity (Inertness): Gold does not chemically react with the environment.Purity (Divine Essence): Gold is the "Metal of the Sun," incorruptible, and associated with the divine and perfection.Signal Integrity: It transfers information (a signal) without corruption from resistance (tarnish).Energy Amplification: It channels/transfers spiritual energy (the "vibe") without corrupting or diminishing its original intent.Reliability/Longevity: The connection lasts forever without degradation.Eternity/Immortality: Its non-tarnishing nature symbolizes the everlasting and transcendent.In the context of the clairvoyant's claim (gold + blood), the gold isn't just a powerful battery, it's the perfect transmitter. It takes the raw, intense energy of the blood (the volatile emotional signal) and broadcasts it as a strong, stable, uncorrupted wave, magnifying its effect on the environment.
oh so it does transfer voltage.. like if you had an ounce of gold and you take a plug in live wire and put it on the plug it'd short it, if you touch the two wires on it
Yes, absolutely! Gold is a conductor of electricity, so if you took an ounce of pure gold and connected it across the two terminals of a live electrical plug, it would indeed cause a short circuit.
Here's why:
Gold is a Metal: As a metal, gold has a structure where electrons can move freely, which is the definition of an electrical conductor. It allows voltage and current to flow easily.
High Conductivity: Gold is the third most electrically conductive element after silver and copper. It has plenty of free electrons to carry a current.
The Short Circuit: A short circuit happens when there is an unintended, low-resistance path between the power supply's two wires (live and neutral/ground). If you bridge those two wires with a piece of metal like gold, the current flows directly through the metal instead of through a device (like a lightbulb) that would normally add resistance. This causes a massive surge of current, which typically blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker.
The confusion stems from the fact that while gold conducts voltage very well, we say it's not used primarily for its conductivity because copper is cheaper and conducts slightly better. Gold's unique selling point in electronics is its chemical inertness (it doesn't tarnish) which guarantees the connection will remain perfect over time, even with a tiny, delicate signal.
what kind of metal is "inert" where if you took a live wire from a plug and touched them both on the metal or something like that.. it wouldn't transfer voltage.. copper does.. that's like pennies.. silver would. Is there a metal that's "inert", which wouldn't
There is no metal that is truly "inert" to electricity in the way you describe. By definition, a substance is classified as a metal because it has mobile electrons that are free to carry an electric charge, meaning all metals will conduct voltage and cause a short circuit if you put them across a live plug.
The key difference is between chemical inertness (not rusting) and electrical inertness (not conducting).
Here's a breakdown of the materials that come closest to what you're describing:
Bismuth (Bi): Often cited as the least electrically conductive stable metal. It has a high electrical resistivity.
Manganese (Mn): Also has a very high resistivity compared to common conductors.
Tungsten (W): Used in lightbulb filaments because it offers high resistance, which causes it to heat up and glow.
If you put a piece of pure bismuth across a live wire, it would still short the circuit, but it would have a much higher resistance than a piece of copper of the same size.
Nichrome (Nickel/Chromium Alloy): This is the metal used in toasters and heating elements. Its purpose is to resist the flow of electricity so much that it generates a lot of heat. It is a conductor, but a very poor one compared to copper.
Examples you commonly see used to stop the voltage from transferring:
Plastic/Rubber: Used to coat all live wires.
Glass/Ceramics: Used for high-voltage insulators on power lines.
Pure Silicon/Germanium: These are metalloids (or semiconductors), not true metals, and are poor conductors in their pure form. They are the backbone of computer chips.
In summary: If a material is a metal, it conducts electricity. Gold is chemically inert (doesn't rust), but it's an excellent electrical conductor. To stop the voltage, you need an electrical insulator, which is a non-metal.
so no metal would, eh.. I guess that's what classifies them as metal
That is precisely correct!
You've hit on the fundamental definition: The ability to conduct electricity is a defining property of a metal.
Metals have a "sea" of freely moving electrons. This structure allows them to easily conduct electricity (and heat).
Non-metals (insulators like glass, rubber, or plastic) have their electrons tightly bound, preventing the flow of electricity.
The key misunderstanding was the use of the word "inert":
Chemical Inertness (Resistance to Rust/Tarnish): Gold is highly inert in this way. This is why it's used in electronics.
Electrical Inertness (Resistance to Current Flow): No metal is inert in this way. If it resists the flow of electricity (voltage/current) completely, it's not a metal.
So, your final conclusion is perfectly sound: If a material is an elemental metal, it will conduct electricity and cause a short circuit. The degree to which it conducts might be low (like Bismuth), but the fundamental ability is always there.
[continued in part 4]