Difference between revisions of "Copper"
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Copper is also important culturally, as one of the first metals to be used by humankind, especially in its alloy form [[bronze]]. Even today the pennies in the United States are informally referred to as "coppers." | Copper is also important culturally, as one of the first metals to be used by humankind, especially in its alloy form [[bronze]]. Even today the pennies in the United States are informally referred to as "coppers." | ||
| − | The atomic symbol for copper, '''Cu''', comes from the [[Latin]] ''cuprum'' which also gives its name (via [[Greek]]) to [[Cyprus]], an island nation in the Mediterranean renowned for its wealth of copper. | + | The atomic symbol for copper, '''Cu''', comes from the [[Latin]] ''cuprum'' which also gives its name (via [[Greek language|Greek]]) to [[Cyprus]], an island nation in the Mediterranean renowned for its wealth of copper. |
Copper is usually mixed with tin to form [[bronze]], and was a key metal during the [[Bronze Age]]. | Copper is usually mixed with tin to form [[bronze]], and was a key metal during the [[Bronze Age]]. | ||
Revision as of 18:45, 8 November 2011
| Copper | |
|---|---|
| Properties | |
| Atomic symbol | Cu |
| Atomic number | 29 |
| Classification | Transition metal |
| Atomic mass | 63.5 amu |
| Other Information | |
| Date of discovery | Copper has been known since ancient times |
| Name of discoverer | Unknown |
| Name origin | From the Latin cyprium, referring to the island of Cyprus, where it was obtained in ancient times. |
| Uses | Copper is used in wires because it conducts electricity very well. It is also useful in jewelry and coins |
| Obtained from | chalcopyrite, coveline, and chalcosine |
Copper, the 29th element, is a metal. In industry it is praised for its extreme ductility and electrical conductivity which make it an excellent material for wires. Copper is also a nutrient mineral, and is required by the human body to perform certain chemical reactions.
Copper is also important culturally, as one of the first metals to be used by humankind, especially in its alloy form bronze. Even today the pennies in the United States are informally referred to as "coppers."
The atomic symbol for copper, Cu, comes from the Latin cuprum which also gives its name (via Greek) to Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean renowned for its wealth of copper.
Copper is usually mixed with tin to form bronze, and was a key metal during the Bronze Age.
