Cu
Copper is one of the oldest metals known to humanity and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 63.546 u |
| Density | 8.96 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1357.77 K |
| Boiling Point | 2835.0 K |
| Appearance | Red-orange metallic luster |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.9 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 745.5 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 119.2 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +1, +2, +3, +4 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Ar] 3d10 4s1 |
| Atomic Radius | 128.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 132.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 140.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Known since antiquity |
| Location | Middle East |
| Named After | Latin 'cuprum' from the island of Cyprus |
About Copper
Copper is a soft, malleable, ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is one of the few metals found in directly usable metallic form in nature. Copper has been used for at least 10,000 years.
Uses & Applications
Electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, coins, electronics, antimicrobial surfaces, and cookware.
Fun Fact
Copper is naturally antimicrobial -- bacteria die within hours on copper surfaces, which is why hospitals use copper alloys for door handles.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 63 | 0.6915% | - | Yes |
| 65 | 0.3085% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Ar] 3d10 4s1