What Is Copper? | Definition, Properties, and Uses
Copper is an essential element that has fueled modern innovation. It holds a position on the periodic table and plays a crucial role in the advancement of human civilization. As the global population continues to grow, copper demand is expected to rise.
This guide will go over what copper is, the physical and chemical properties of this chemical element, and its wide range of applications.
What Is Copper? (Ind: Apa Itu Tembaga)
Indonesia is one of the world’s top producers of copper, which is why you may be seeing the Google query “Apa itu tembaga?” ranking high in the country. This phrase loosely translates to “what is copper?”.
Copper Definition (Ind: Tembaga Adalah)
Considered to be a chemical element, copper (Cu) is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal that has an atomic number of 29 on the periodic table. While Cu is known for its reddish-brown color, it is originally pink before oxidation. Over time, it can also develop a greenish-blue tarnish.
Physical Properties of Copper
Solid copper offers fantastic electrical conductivity. This pure metal also has a high thermal conductivity, much greater than most other metals. Cu is the perfect chemical element for heat transfer applications. At the same time, its corrosion resistance properties provide enhanced durability.
Why is copper much different than other metals? The answer to this question lies in the unique arrangement of copper atoms. It allows electrons to move freely, providing the metal with its thermal and electric conductivity.
Chemical Properties of Copper
While copper is a strong metal, it can be used alongside other elements and metals to produce different copper compounds. This is possible through various chemical reactions.
When copper reacts with metal, this interaction results in copper oxide, which is that familiar greenish patina you see on older buildings. You can also transform this elemental metal into copper carbonate and copper sulfate, which play important roles in the agriculture and medical industries.
In acidic or oxidizing environments, copper can gradually dissolve, leaving behind copper ions. You can transform these ions into a copper complex through various chemical reactions. This improves the stability of this ductile metal and allows for controlled reactivity.
Characteristics of Copper
This elemental metal can be shaped into different copper forms, including fine wires, thin copper sheets, and complex shapes. It’s incredibly flexible and has corrosion resistance properties, making copper a great choice across various industries.
The Discovery of Copper
Native copper use dates back to 8700 BC, with a copper pendant discovered in northern Iraq. This was long before the Bronze Age and the discovery of copper tools.
Where Is Copper Metal Found?
Copper occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust. Most copper extracted today comes from large copper ore deposits that contain high concentrations of copper minerals. That said, it’s a bit more complex than that.
There are two main types of ores where you can find copper, and they are
- Sulfide ores (most common and easiest to process)
- Oxide ores (less common but important for heap leaching)
Chile, Australia, and Peru are the world’s largest copper producers with the largest copper reserves. Copper mined in these countries contributes up to 45% to the global production.
How Is Copper Made?
The copper industry focuses on mining, extraction, and copper production, transforming elemental copper into different compounds for use across multiple industries. Since the entire process can adversely affect the environment, recycling copper is important to meet global demand sustainably.
Here are the different stages involved in transforming natural copper into other valuable metals or compounds:
Mining
It all begins with mining. Companies set up their mining and extraction infrastructure in open pits and underground sites before extracting large quantities of this metal.
Extraction
Once copper is mined, it’s extracted to the surface for processing. Mining companies crush the ore and smelt it, converting the copper sulfides into molten copper and then blister copper.
Purification
Since blister copper is only 97% to 98% pure, it is not yet ready. Companies put the extracted copper through the purification process, where it produces pure copper with a 99.9% purity. This refined copper can now be used across various industries.
Alloying
During or after purification, you can combine copper with other metals to create copper alloys. They may have enhanced strength and corrosion resistance properties depending on the combination of metals used.
Electrorefining
For further processing, companies may resort to electrorefining. Through electrolysis, this metal gets dissolved at the anode, leaving behind high-purity copper. It is now ready for specialized applications.
What Are the Different Types of Copper?
There are many different copper grades besides pure copper, each having unique characteristics and uses. By combining this metal with others, you can create copper alloys, which offer improved strength, malleability, or corrosion resistance.
What Are Some of the Uses of Copper?
Copper is used in many different industries, some of which include the following:
Electronics
From household appliances to complicated machinery, you can find copper everywhere in the electronics industry. Due to its very high electrical conductivity, this metal ensures minimal energy loss, making it perfect for electrical wiring, thin copper strips, copper conductors, and printed circuit boards.
Architecture
Copper is known for its beauty and durability, and architects love working with this metal. Copper sheets are often used as decorative elements, and you can even invest in a copper roof, as it’s more durable than traditional roofing.
Plumbing
In the plumbing industry, copper plays a crucial role. Due to its reliability and resistance to corrosion, Cu is a preferred material in many different plumbing systems and parts, including the following:
- Copper pipes
- Copper tubing
- Copper tubes
Automotive
The automotive industry is heavily reliant on copper. Manufacturers use copper wire to create electrical networks and heat exchangers for vehicles.
Copper use is even more common in electric motors. Due to its efficiency in converting electrical energy, this elemental metal is important for electric cars, trains, and bicycles.
Renewable Energy
As the world gradually shifts towards renewable energy, there is a growing demand for copper. Due to copper’s excellent electrical conductivity, manufacturers are using this metal in:
- Wiring and inverters of photovoltaic panels
- Copper windings in wind energy generation for converting mechanical energy
- Batteries, motors, and charging infrastructure of electric vehicles
- Smart grids and energy storage solutions
Medical
In the medical industry, companies use copper to produce MRI machines, surgical lasers, pacemakers, and defibrillators, among many other life-saving products.
Copper also has medicinal uses. People deficient in this mineral can take copper supplements to support several biological processes and functions, including energy production, oxygen transfer, and antioxidant defense.
However, it’s important to follow proper dosage instructions to manage copper protein levels. Excess copper intake can lead to copper toxicity, resulting in liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, neurological symptoms, and other health problems.
Other Industrial Applications
Copper has many other industrial applications. It’s:
- Used in industrial machinery for its conductivity and wear resistance.
- Ideal for cooling and heating systems due to electrical and thermal conductivity.
- Found in transformers, switchgear, busbars, and high-voltage wiring.
- Common in coinage because it’s durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Used in fabrics, doorknobs, and medical surfaces for its germ-killing properties.
Organizations like the Copper Development Association promote and research new copper applications across many different sectors. To manage its environmental impact, regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency set standards for the industry.
