Atomic number: 29
Atomic mass: 63.546 g.mol
Density: 8.9 g.cm
Melting point: 1083
Boiling point: 2595
Isotopes: 6
Electron configuration: 2 8 18 1
LETS TALK ABOUT COPPER
Copper is one of the most important metals. Copper is reddish with a bright metallic lustre. It is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity (second only to silver in electrical conductivity). Its alloys, brass and bronze, are very important. Monel and gun metals also contain copper. Apparently the reason that policemen in the USA are nicknamed "cops" or "coppers" is to do with their uniforms which used to have copper buttons.
Extraction of Copper:
Electrolytic refining
it uses an electrolyte of copper(ll) sulphate solution, impure copper anodes and strips of high purity copper for the cathodes.
The anode is a block of impure copper and the cathode is a thin piece of pure copper. There is a transfer of copper from the anode to the cathode.
Bioleaching
Bioleaching is an extraction that uses bacterias. Some bacteria can survive by using the energy of the bond between sulfur and copper. This separates the metal from the ore because they remove the bond. It's very efficient but on the other hand it's slow.
Phytomining
Phytomining is an extraction that uses plants. Some plants absorb metal compounds when they grow. We can burn the plant and the metal is extracted from the ash. It can also extract metals from contaminated land.
-An excellent electrical conductor
-tough
-An excellent thermal conductor
-non-magnetic
-corrosion resistant
-an attractive colour
-anti-bacterial
-easy to alloy
-easily joined
-recyclable
-ductile
-catalytic
COPPER IS..
Electrolytic Refining
Uses of Copper:
60% is used for electrical equipment; construction, such as roofing and plumbing (20%); industrial machinery, such as heat exchangers (15%) and alloys (5%).
Electrical Conductivity
Copper wires
Electromagnets
Motors
Dynamos
Transformers
heating exchangers