Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Cu |
| Atomic Number | 29 |
| Atomic Mass | 63.546 u |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Period | 4 |
| Group | 11 |
| Block | d |
| Electron Configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| State at 20°C | Solid |
| Density | 8.96 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1084.62°C (1357.77 K) |
| Boiling Point | 2562°C (2835 K) |
| Appearance | Reddish-orange metallic |
Atomic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Electron Configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ |
| Electronegativity | 1.90 (Pauling scale) |
| First Ionization Energy | 745.5 kJ/mol |
| Atomic Radius | 128 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 132 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 140 pm |
History and Discovery
Discovered by: Known since antiquity Year of Discovery: ~9000 BCE Location: Middle East
Etymology
The symbol "Cu" comes from Latin "cuprum," derived from "aes cyprium" (metal from Cyprus), as Cyprus was a major copper source in the ancient Mediterranean.
Discovery Story
Copper was one of the first metals used by humans, with artifacts dating back to 9000 BCE. The Copper Age (Chalcolithic) preceded the Bronze Age. Ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley extensively used copper and bronze.
Isotopes
| Isotope | Natural Abundance | Half-life | Decay Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⁶³Cu | 69.17% | Stable | - |
| ⁶⁵Cu | 30.83% | Stable | - |
Occurrence
Natural Abundance
Copper comprises about 60 ppm of Earth's crust. It sometimes occurs in native (metallic) form. Major ores are chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), bornite, and malachite. Major producers are Chile, Peru, China, and the United States.
Extraction and Production
- Pyrometallurgy: Smelting of sulfide ores
- Hydrometallurgy: Leaching and electrowinning
- Recycling: About 35% of copper use is recycled
- Global production: about 21 million tons annually
Applications and Uses
Electrical Applications
- Electrical wiring (60% of copper use)
- Electric motors and generators
- Power transmission
- Electronics and circuit boards
Construction
- Plumbing pipes and fittings
- Roofing and flashing
- Architectural elements
Transportation
- Automobile wiring and radiators
- Electric vehicle motors and batteries
- Marine applications
Other Uses
- Coins and currency
- Cookware
- Antimicrobial surfaces
- Alloys (bronze, brass)
Biological Role
Copper is an essential trace element for all living organisms. It is a cofactor for numerous enzymes.
In the Human Body
- About 100 mg in adult body
- Essential for iron metabolism
- Required for connective tissue formation
- Important for nervous system function
- Daily requirement: 0.9 mg
Dietary Sources
Shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and organ meats are rich in copper.
Safety and Hazards
Toxicity
Copper is essential but toxic in excess (Wilson's disease is a genetic copper accumulation disorder). Copper sulfate is poisonous if ingested.
Handling Precautions
- Copper dust can irritate respiratory tract
- Molten copper poses severe burn risk
- Some copper compounds are skin irritants
- Welding copper produces harmful fumes
Environmental Impact
Copper mining can cause significant environmental damage. Copper in water is toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations.
Interesting Facts
- Copper was the first metal to be smelted from ore (around 5000 BCE)
- The Statue of Liberty contains 80 tons of copper
- Copper surfaces kill bacteria within hours (antimicrobial properties)
- Copper is 100% recyclable without losing quality
- An average home contains about 200 kg of copper