Copper (Cu)
Copper is one of the few metals with a distinctive color. It has been used by humans for over 10,000 years and is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Properties of Copper
- Atomic number
- 29
- Category
- Transition Metal
- Atomic mass
- 63.546 u
- Electron configuration
- [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
- Melting point
- 1357.77 K (1084.62 °C)
- Boiling point
- 2835 K (2561.85 °C)
- Density
- 8.96 g/cm³
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.9
- Appearance
- Reddish-orange metal
- Discovered by
- Ancient civilizations
Facts about Copper
- The Statue of Liberty is covered in copper — that's why she's green!
- Copper turns green over time when exposed to air, called a patina!
- Copper is naturally antibacterial — germs die on copper surfaces!
- All the electrical wiring in your house is probably made of copper!