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Copper
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Atomic number
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29
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Symbol
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Cu
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Atomic weight
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63.546
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Discovery
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Cu has been known since prehistoric time. It has been mined for more than 5000 years.
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Electronic configuration
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[Ar] 4s1 3d10
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Word origin
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Latin cuprum
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Melting point
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1083.4+/-0.2 degree centigrade
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Boiling point
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2567 degree centigrade
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Specific gravity
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8.96
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Electrical resistivity
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1.7*10-8 ohm-m
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Properties:
(1) Copper is reddish brown with a bright metallic luster.
(2) It is malleable, ductile and a good conductors of heat and electricity.
(3) It is nonmagnetic and is easily finished by plating or lacquering.
(4) In can be easily welded, brazed and soldered.
(5) It has poor resistance to oxidation. A copper oxide layer is formed on its surface, when it is exposed to atmosphere.
(6) Its mechanical strength can be improved by allowing without sacrificing any other properties.
Uses:
(1) Copper is widely used in wires, but bars, underground cable, overhead conductors, windings of transformers and generators, etc.
(2) It is also used in plumbing and for cookware.
(3) Copper compounds are toxic to invertebrates and are used as algaecides and pesticides.
(4) It is also used in making coils.
Sources: Sometimes copper appears in its native state. It is found in many minerals including malachite, cuprites, malachite, cuprites, azurite etc. Copper deposits are known in North America, South America, and Africa. Copper is obtained by smelting, leaching and electrolysis of the copper-sulphides, oxides, and carbonates. Copper is commercially available at a purity of 99.999%.