Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a reddish-brown metal that is widely used in various industrial and commercial applications.
Sources of copper:
Copper is primarily found in minerals such as chalcopyrite, bornite, and chalcocite.
It is also found in smaller amounts in other minerals, such as cuprite, malachite, and azurite.
Production of copper:
Copper is extracted from its ores through a series of processes, including mining, crushing, and beneficaling.
The copper-bearing ore is then roasted or smelted to produce copper oxides, which are then further processed to produce pure copper metal.
Properties of copper:
Copper is a dense, reddish-brown metal with a melting point of 1,085°C and a boiling point of 2,567°C.
It is a relatively soft metal that is highly reactive, and must be stored in a protective atmosphere to prevent oxidation.
Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and has a low thermal expansion coefficient.
Uses of copper:
Copper is widely used in the production of electrical wire and cable, where it provides high conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
It is also used in the production of coins and other monetary items, where it provides a reddish-brown color.
Copper is used as a component in a variety of industrial and commercial products, including plumbing, roofing, and building construction.
It is also used in the production of brass, bronze, and other alloys, where it provides high strength, hardness, and conductivity.
Copper is used in the production of catalysts, where it provides catalytic properties for various chemical reactions.
It is also used in the production of compounds, which are used as pigments, fungicides, and in the electronics industry.