Copper is one of the most valuable metals used by humans. This metal has several noble and very interesting characteristics that make it very versatile. It can be used in the construction industry, technology, medicine and much more.
Next you will be able to know all the most important characteristics of copper.
Copper characteristics
Characteristics and physical properties
Copper is a reddish and orange metal, with a certain metallic shine, the color of this metal is called copper.
It is mostly in a solid state and its density is equal to 8960 kg/m3.
Its melting point is 1084.62 °C, while its boiling point is 2562 °C.
One of its main characteristics is its diamagnetic character, that is to say repels magnetic fields, in addition to having a high resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
Characteristics and chemical properties
At the molecular level, copper is made up of 35 neutrons, 29 electrons and 29 protons, distributed in four energy levels.
It has five oxidation states, all of them considered low. The most common is +2
Copper has no reaction when it comes into contact with water, while when it comes into contact with oxygen its reaction is slow.
This metal is very weak to halogen gases when it encounters high levels of humidity, as well as being highly susceptible to acids, especially oxacids and citric acid.
Also in dry conditions, copper is resistant to attack by bromine and chlorine.
Where does it come from or is it extracted?
The largest copper reserves are in Chile, having this American Nation the five largest mines in the world. The United States, Peru, China and Indonesia also have large deposits.
Obtaining copper is done through the extraction of the mineral in its deposits, which is found in low concentrations of 0, 4 and 1%. Some of these copper deposits are known as porphyry copper.
There are two production processes to obtain copper. The first and most used is a pyrometallurgical process, while the second is carried out through a hydrometallurgical process, which requires high concentrations of sulfuric acid.
Where can you find it?
Copper is abundant on the planet, it can manifest itself as a mineral and in its pure state. Some of the copper minerals arechalcopyrite, the cupriteand the covelina These minerals are common in copper deposits such as porphyry copper.
Functions in the human body
Copper is a very essential trace element for human life, as it has vital functions in the body such as in the creation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the immune system of blood vessels and bones.
Copper is also present in various foods in the usual diet such as shellfish, oysters, organ meats, legumes and nuts, and is also found in drinking water.
Copper in the operation of plants
Likewise, this metal has an important function at the plant level, since it is a very important micronutrient for plants.
Copper is involved in the photosynthesis process, as it aids in the absorption of carbohydrates and proteins, as well as helping to increase the intensity of color and flavor in vegetables and flowers.
Benefits in technology
Copper is part of the technological world of the planet, as it is used in the main components of high-tech equipment.
It is valid to remember that it is the second best electrical conductor and its price is very economical Therefore, its use will never lose its validity, since it will always be widely used in technological devices.
It is part of the electronic components of cell phones, televisions, washing machines, computers and practically any electrical device.
It is an excellent electrical conductor
Copper’s main characteristic is its high efficiency as an electrical conductor, being the second best metal for this purpose.
For this reason and because it is very malleable, this metal is Widely used in the manufacture of electrical and coaxial cables.
It is also widely used in the electronics and telecommunications industry.
It is very economical and recyclable.
Copper It is the third most used metal on the planet, after iron and aluminum. This is because it is very cheap.
Its low price compared to other metals is due to its abundance on the planet and because it can be reused on many occasions.
On this point, when copper is completely pure, it can be melted again, regardless of whether it contains oxide, since it will return to its state of total purity.
Widely used over time
Throughout history, copper has accompanied man in his walk through life through the ages, this metal was the first element to replace the use of stone, marking an era in history.
Undoubtedly, copper will continue to be part of human daily life in the future due to its characteristics, as well as being a material widely used in computers and high-tech equipment.
It is used for alloys
Likewise, copper serves as main input to obtain more than 400 higher hardness alloys, durability and resistance to corrosion and that are also highly used at an industrial level.
The main alloy obtained through copper is brass, which is created from the union with zinc and other metals.
Bronze is also generated from its fusion with tin. While the nickel silver, which is known as German silver, is obtained by mixing copper, zinc and nickel.
In the construction industry
Copper is also widely used in the construction industry, due to its High resistance to the corrosion It is also a substitute for lead in water pipes. In addition, this metal is used as a component of copper wires to transmit electricity.