Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a reddish-orange color. Here is detailed information about copper:
History and Discovery
- Copper has been used by humans for at least 10,000 years. Its use predates written history, with archaeological evidence suggesting its use in the Neolithic period.
- One of the earliest known artifacts of copper is a pendant found in northern Iraq, dating back to around 8700 BCE.
- The Bronze Age began when humans learned to alloy copper with tin, creating bronze, which is harder and more durable than pure copper.
Physical Properties
- Atomic Number: 29
- Atomic Weight: 63.546
- Melting Point: 1,084.62°C (1,357.77 K, 1,984.32°F)
- Boiling Point: 2,562°C (2,835 K, 4,644°F)
- Copper is known for its excellent conductivity, second only to silver in terms of electrical conductivity.
- It has a face-centered cubic crystal structure.
Chemical Properties
- Copper is relatively inert to corrosion, forming a protective layer of copper oxide when exposed to air.
- It reacts with oxygen to form copper(I) oxide (Cu2O) and copper(II) oxide (CuO).
- Copper dissolves in nitric acid and sulfuric acid, but not in hydrochloric acid due to the formation of a protective layer of copper chloride.
Occurrence
Applications
- Electrical wiring: Due to its high electrical conductivity, copper is extensively used in electrical wiring.
- Plumbing: Copper pipes are used in water supply systems because of their corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high pressure.
- Electronics: Copper is used in printed circuit boards (PCBs).
- Architecture: Copper's aesthetic appeal leads to its use in roofing, cladding, and as a decorative element in architecture.
- Alloys: Copper is alloyed with other metals like zinc to form brass, or with nickel to form cupro-nickel.
Economic Impact
- Copper is a key industrial metal, and its price often serves as an economic indicator. High demand can drive up prices, reflecting industrial activity.
- The copper market has significant impacts on global trade, with countries like Chile and Peru heavily reliant on copper exports.
Environmental Impact and Recycling
- Mining copper has environmental consequences, including habitat destruction and water pollution from acid mine drainage.
- Copper is highly recyclable, with a significant amount of the metal in use today coming from recycled sources, which reduces the environmental impact of new mining.
Sources
See Also