Copper is a chemical element; it has 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 pinkish-orange color.
Copper alloys used in jewellery. Copper is an easily molded base metal that is often added to precious metals to improve their elasticity, flexibility, hardness, colour, and resistance to corrosion. Gold alloys. Gold is one of the most common alloyed metals with copper.
Copper is a chemical element, number 29 on the periodic table of elements. The copper element symbol is Cu, from the Latin “cuprum”. It is a ductile metal with a reddish-brown color.
The nucleus consists of 29 protons (red) and 34 neutrons (blue). 29 electrons (green) bind to the nucleus, successively occupying available electron shells (rings).
Evidence suggests humans used copper as early as 10,000 years ago. Its natural occurrence as nuggets and its malleability made it easy to shape into tools and ornaments. Over time, people discovered they could heat and hammer copper to create even more useful objects, from weapons and utensils to decorative items. This widespread adoption across various cultures solidified copper's place as one of humanity's first essential metals.
Ancient civilizations across the globe, from Mesopotamia to Egypt and the Indus Valley, incorporated copper into their societies. They used it for coinage, writing implements, and even medical instruments. As technology advanced, copper's unique properties, like its conductivity and resistance to corrosion, made it valuable for electrical applications, plumbing, and construction. Today, copper remains a vital material, playing a crucial role in everything from renewable energy systems to modern electronics.
Most copper is used in electrical equipment such as wiring and motors. This is because it conducts both heat and electricity very well, and can be drawn into wires. It also has uses in construction (for example roofing and plumbing), and industrial machinery (such as heat exchangers).
Its key properties are that it has excellent electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, and good corrosion resistance. It is also ductile and has an interesting reddish-brown color. The combination of these properties leads to the wide application of copper for engineering and aesthetic uses.