Copper
Definition and meaning of Copper in chemistry.
Copper is a highly ductile and malleable transition metal characterized by the chemical symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It possesses very high thermal and electrical conductivity, rendering it an essential industrial material for global power infrastructure.
In more detail
Positioned in group 11 of the periodic table, copper is one of the few metallic elements that occur in nature in a directly usable, uncombined native metallic form. Freshly exposed, pure copper surfaces display a distinctive pinkish-orange color that eventually weathers to a green patina of copper carbonate when exposed to atmospheric oxygen, moisture, and carbon dioxide (CO2) over extended periods. It chemically forms a rich variety of coordination compounds and salts, typically existing in the +1 and +2 oxidation states in aqueous solutions. The metal is widely distributed in the Earth's crust as sulfide minerals like chalcopyrite and chalcocite, which are extensively mined, crushed, and smelted for modern commercial applications. Its unique electron configuration, featuring a completely full d-subshell and a single s-electron, heavily contributes to its exceptional thermal and electrical conductive properties, second only to silver among all pure metals.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Cu |
| Atomic number | 29 |
| Atomic mass | 63.546 u |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Melting point | 1084.62 °C (1984.32 °F) |
| Year discovered | Known since antiquity (c. 9000 BC) |
Pure copper is drawn into wire for electrical transmission lines and residential building circuitry because of its unmatched electrical conductivity among non-precious metals.
Frequently asked questions
Why does copper turn green over time?
It reacts with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, and carbon dioxide to form a thin protective layer of basic copper carbonate known as verdigris.
What is the difference between brass and bronze?
Brass is primarily an alloy of copper and zinc, whereas bronze is historically an alloy composed of copper and tin.