Copper Metal
Copper is an element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. Copper is classified in periodic table: Its element category is transition metal; Its group is 11; Its period is 4; Its atomic weight is 63. 546. Copper metal and alloys have been used for thousands of years. Physical properties:- Copper has a characteristic reddish brown color. Its density is 8. 93 g cm. Its melting point is 1083`C. It is highly malleable and ductile at ordinary temperature. It is a very good conductor of heat and electricity. It is the best conductor among all the metals.
Chemical properties:- Copper does not react with water, but it reacts with oxygen slowly forming the brown-black copper oxide. Occurrence:- Copper can be found as native copper and a part of minerals. Native copper is a polycrystal. There are many kinds of copper-containing minerals: chalcopyrite and chalcocite are copper sulfides, azurite and malachite are copper carbonates and cuprite is a copper oxide. Recycling:- Copper can be recycled without lose of quality. Copper are world’s mostly recycled. Uses of copper:-
Copper is mostly used as a metal, but when a higher hardness is required it is combined with other elements to make an al alloy such as brass and bronze. Copper is used in refrigerators and air conditioning systems. Computer heat sinks are made out of copper because it is able to absorb a high amount of heat. Magnetrons, found in microwave ovens, contain copper. As a good conductor of electricity, copper is used in Copper wire, electromagnets and electrical relays and switches. Copper is a great water-proof roofing material.
It has been used for this purpose since ancient times. Some structures, such as the Statue of Liberty, are made with copper. Copper is sometimes combined with nickel to make a corrosion resistant material that is used in shipbuilding. Copper is used in lightning rods. These attract lightning and cause the electrical current to be dispersed rather than striking, and possibly destroying, a more important structure. Copper is often used to color glass. It is also one component of ceramic glaze. Many musical instruments, are made out of copper.
