home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- Name : Copper
- Symbol : Cu
- Atomic # : 29
- Atom weight: 63.546
- Melting P. : 1083
- Boiling P. : 2567
- Oxidation : +1, +2
- Pronounced : KOP-er
- From : Latin cuprum, "from the island of Cyprus"
- Identified : Prehistoric origin
- Appearance : Malleable, ductile, reddish-brown metal
- Note : We call policeman a cop or copper because their uniforms'
- buttons are used to be copper
-
- [Properties]
-
- Copper is commonly described as a reddish-brown, malleable, and ductile
- metal that is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity. It
- resists corrosion from most acids (hot nitric acid and concentrated
- sulfuric acid are exceptions). Since it also resists the action of air,
- moisture, and even seawater, copper is ideal material for making coins.
- Copper that is exposed to natural elements for extended period of time
- develops a blue-green coating, or patina. This is actually copper carbonate
- - a natural protective coating that discourages further wear and corrosion.
- Copper heads the list of Group-IB elements on the periodic table. It is
- in good company with two other well-known metals, silver (Ag) and gold (Au).
-