We explain what copper is, the history of this metal and its melting and boiling points. In addition, we explain what its characteristics and uses are.
What is copper?
Copper is a transition metal which, at room temperature and in its natural state, is found in a solid state. Its chemical symbol is Cu and its atomic number is 29.
Copper is a strong and hard metal but, nevertheless, it is not one of the hardest in nature. It has the ability to resist blows, traction and push forces, cuts or physical alterations in general. However, it is a metal that, like many existing metals, exhibits brittleness if subjected to extreme low temperatures.
Below we outline the main characteristics of this metal.
See also: Zinc
History of copper
If we go back in time, we can almost say that copper is the first metal that man learned to use. Both in its natural state and by heating it to achieve greater possibilities of shapes and thus create useful tools. It would be normal to think that the discovery of copper’s behavior in the face of heat was accidental, however, as the years went by, new properties of this metal were discovered.
Characteristics of copper
- It is present in various organic structuresCopper helps in the formation and development of organic structures. For example, in the human body it is involved in the creation of red blood cells and the maintenance of blood vessels.
- Its boiling and melting points are extremely high.. The melting point of copper is 1085.62 degrees Celsius. The boiling point of copper is 2562 degrees Celsius.
- It is one of the materials with the greatest capacity to conduct electricity.. This property is explained by the weak bonds of the electrons that it has within its structure. In this way, the particles can move freely. Although copper is not a metal with magnetic properties, if we let electricity pass through copper wires wound on coils, we will have a magnetic field as a result.
- It is one of the materials that has the greatest capacity to conduct heat. (Thermal conductivity). Thanks to this physical characteristic, copper has for years been the preferred metal for the manufacture of kitchen utensils.
- It is a strong and very hard metal.Although it is not one of the hardest elements in nature, it has the ability to withstand impacts, pulling and pushing forces, cuts or physical alterations in general. However, it is a metal that, like many existing metals, is brittle if subjected to extreme low temperatures.
- It is one of the most ductile metals that existAlong with lead and gold, copper is very ductile because its atoms have the ability to slide over each other and, in this way, the metal can stretch without breaking. Because of this quality, copper is widely used to make cables and all items that are subjected to pressure, stretching and constant movement.
- It is very malleableMalleability is associated with the sheeting of the metal. As with gold and silver, copper is a metal that is easily deformed at room temperature and it does so without breaking or cracking. Even at room temperature, it can be stretched, hammered, pressed, deformed and yet it will not break.
- It has high toxicity for the human body.There is a genetic disease called Wilson, which is developed by high levels of copper accumulated in the body, and affects different vital organs, especially the liver and brain, and can cause death. On the other hand, the excessive use of some insecticides or fungicides that contain copper or the excessive consumption of food supplements can also generate copper accumulation in the body.
Copper alloys
Copper is often mixed with other metals to form alloys. with the aim of modifying its properties for specific purposesThe most common alloys of copper are bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) and brass (an alloy of copper and zinc).
Uses of copper
Copper is a multifaceted metal that is used for many purposes. This metal is the favorite for kitchen utensil making for its thermal conductivity, or to manufacture cables, welds, ornaments, jewelry, among other things, thanks to its great malleability and ductility.
Also It has bactericidal propertieswhich makes it a very useful material for the production of bactericidal and fungicidal substances. On the other hand, it is an excellent catalyst used in various chemical processes and even serves perfectly as a catalytic converter for cars.
Follow with: Gold
References:
- “Copper” in Wikipedia.
- “Wilson’s disease” on MedlinePlus.
- Copper. Diet and nutrition. Medical and therapeutic applications. Chemical Biological Institute of Spain.