The Advantages of Copper

Copper is one of the most widely used metals in the Copper is one of the most widely used metals in the world, and for good reason too. world, and for good reason too.

This reddish-brown metal is highly versatile and This reddish-brown metal is highly versatile and advantageous for a wide variety of applications. advantageous for a wide variety of applications.

Find out more about the different properties of Find out more about the different properties of copper below.copper below.

High Thermal and Electrical ConductivityHigh Thermal and Electrical Conductivity

Copper is characterised by its high thermal and electrical Copper is characterised by its high thermal and electrical conductivity – silver is the only other pure metal to have a conductivity – silver is the only other pure metal to have a higher electrical conductivity at room temperature. This is higher electrical conductivity at room temperature. This is because copper has a single valence electron that is free to because copper has a single valence electron that is free to

move with little resistance, thereby facilitating the move with little resistance, thereby facilitating the conduction of electricity. Such properties make copper the conduction of electricity. Such properties make copper the

metal of choice for use in electrical wiring, circuit boards and metal of choice for use in electrical wiring, circuit boards and heat sinks.heat sinks.

DuctilityDuctility

Copper is also ductile, that is, it can be drawn out into a Copper is also ductile, that is, it can be drawn out into a wire. A copper bar 4 inches thick can be heated, rolled, wire. A copper bar 4 inches thick can be heated, rolled, then drawn into a wire thinner than a human hair! This then drawn into a wire thinner than a human hair! This makes it ideal for making electrical wires. Furthermore, makes it ideal for making electrical wires. Furthermore,

copper is easily obtainable and a cheaper resource copper is easily obtainable and a cheaper resource compared to silver, despite its electrical conductivity.compared to silver, despite its electrical conductivity.

MalleabilitMalleabilityy

Malleability, or the ability to bend or be hammered into Malleability, or the ability to bend or be hammered into other shapes without breaking, is another characteristic of other shapes without breaking, is another characteristic of

copper. Pure copper is very soft and malleable, as the copper. Pure copper is very soft and malleable, as the covalent bonds in copper are relatively weak. Copper’s covalent bonds in copper are relatively weak. Copper’s

malleability is the key reason why it is highly versatile and malleability is the key reason why it is highly versatile and ideal for various applications – for example, in making ideal for various applications – for example, in making

copper sheets, coins and utensils.copper sheets, coins and utensils.

Resistance to Resistance to CorrosionCorrosion

Copper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistant Copper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistant properties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will change properties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will change

from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown. from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown. Eventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, that Eventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, that

stops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnish stops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnish easily, copper is highly durable and commonly used for easily, copper is highly durable and commonly used for

making items such as coins.making items such as coins.

Resistance to Resistance to CorrosionCorrosion

Copper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistant Copper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistant properties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will change properties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will change

from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown. from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown. Eventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, that Eventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, that

stops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnish stops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnish easily, copper is highly durable and commonly used for easily, copper is highly durable and commonly used for

making items such as coins.making items such as coins.