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Copper is one of the oldest known metals, dating back to at least 7,000 years. It is abundant in many parts of the world, and is the main component in many naturally occurring minerals, including malachite, azurite, and turquoise. The name ‘copper’ is derived from the Latin word ‘cuprum’, which means ‘of the Cyclops’.
Copper is a soft, malleable metal with a reddish hue. It is highly resistant to corrosion and is one of the most ductile of all metals. It has good electrical conductivity, making it a popular choice for electronic-grade wiring, and it is also often used in plumbing, roofing, and various building applications.
The metal has been used for more than 6,000 years for a variety of purposes. Copper jewelry, tools, and weapons were fashioned from the material by many ancient civilizations. It was also used to make coins and to express the value of goods and services in monetary terms.
Precisely because it is malleable, copper can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes without losing its ability to conduct electricity. This quality makes it an ideal choice for electrical wiring and components such as circuit boards and connectors. The malleability of the metal also allows it to be easily machined and formed into intricate parts, such as detailed decorations found in many buildings.
Copper also serves as an excellent heat transfer material. Its thermal conductivity is second only to silver among metals, and this quality makes it an ideal choice for heat exchangers, condensers, radiators, and other applications in which heat needs to be transferred effectively.
Although copper is one of the most widely recycled metals, the majority of global copper production comes from mining. Copper ore is mined from open-pit and underground deposits in more than 20 countries around the world.
Some of the common physical and chemical properties of copper are as follows:
• Density: 9 g/cm3
• Melting Point: 1084.6 °C
• Boiling Point: 2562 °C
• Chemical Composition: Cu
• Specific Heat Capacity: 0.386 J/g·K
• Electrical Conductivity: 5.96·10^7 · mho/m
• Thermal Conductivity: 401 W/m·K
• Tensile Strength: 368 N/mm2
• Modulus of Elasticity: 129 GPa
The diverse uses of copper have made it one of the most widely used and valuable metals in the world. It is used in industrial and railway transmissions, electricity networks, electronics and plumbing, construction, and military applications, and has become an essential component in new renewable energy solutions. Copper’s malleability, ductility, and durability make it a versatile material that has the capacity to help enable and improve our lives, from small everyday tasks to major applications such as wind turbines, medical devices, and energy storage solutions.
