Compiled by: Nesman Ng
Lenntech Water Treatment Solutions
http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/cu.htm
“Copper is a reddish metal with a face-centred cubic crystalline
structure. It reflects red and orange light and absorbs other
frequencies in the visible spectrum, due to its band structure, so it as a
nice reddish colour. It is malleable, ductile, and an extremely good
conductor of both heat and electricity. It is softer than iron but harder
than zinc and can be polished to a bright finish. It is found in group Ib of
the periodic table, together with silver and gold. Copper has low
chemical reactivity. In moist air it slowly forms a greenish surface film
called patina; this coating protects the metal from further attack.”
Chemical Properties
Lenntech Water Treatment Solutions
http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/cu.htm
Atomic number
29
Atomic mass
63.546 g.mol -1
Electronegativity
according to Pauling
1.9
Density
8.9 g.cm-3 at 20°C
Melting point
1083 °C
Boiling point
2595 °C
Vanderwaals radius
0.128 nm
Ionic radius
0.096 nm (+1) ;
0.069 nm (+3)
Isotopes
6
Electronic shell
[ Ar ] 3d10 4s1
Energy of first
ionisation
743.5 kJ.mol -1
Energy of second
ionisation
1946 kJ.mol -1
Standard potential
+ 0.522 V ( Cu+/ Cu
) ; + 0.345 V (Cu2+/
Cu )
Discovered by
The ancients
Uses of Copper
European Copper Institute
http://www.eurocopper.org/copper/copper-education.html
“Copper plays a vital role in shaping our lives. People have been using copper
since 9000 BC. One of the reasons copper is so important is that it can be
made into alloys. That means it can be combined with other metals to make
new alloys, like brass and bronze. These are harder, stronger and more
corrosion resistant than pure copper. Nowadays it is prized for different
qualities. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat; it is strong,
ductile and easily joined by soldering or brazing; and it is hygienic, easy to
alloy and resists corrosion. You can find copper all over the place. In your home
it is hidden away in everyday objects, including phones, water pipes, locks
and electrical wiring.”
Properties of Copper
European Copper Institute
http://www.eurocopper.org/copper/copper-education.html
• An excellent electrical
conductor
• tough
• An excellent thermal
conductor
• non-magnetic
• corrosion resistant
• an attractive colour
• anti-bacterial
• easy to alloy
• easily joined
• recyclable
• ductile
• catalytic
Why is copper used for electrical wiring?
WikiAnswers
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_copper_used_in_electrical_wires
“Copper combines several properties that have traditionally made it preferred for most
electrical wiring. Copper is a good electrical conductor, provides a good contact
surface, is ductile (is easily bent repeatedly without breaking) and it is not too
expensive. Copper wire is also relatively easy to manufacture, and there is a long
history of using it. However, other materials can and are used for electrical wiring.
Furthermore, in the future it is reasonable to expect that copper will fall out of favor as
new and better means of conducting electricity are better developed and perfected.”