Copper is a reddish orange chemical element on the periodic table, which is a part of Group 11, has an atomic number of 29, and an atomic symbol of Cu. Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile material that has been used throughout human history.
Copper can be found as two stable isotopes in nature with Copper-63 and Copper-65 making up 69.15% and 30.85% of copper respectively. Copper is found in nature both as a pure metal and in numerous minerals. It was first used during the neolithic era in Mesopotamia. Copper was later used to create bronze by combining it with tin. In the modern day, one of copper's most common uses is in electric wiring and electronics due to its relatively low cost and high electrical conductivity.
Chemistry[]
Copper is typically found in either the 2+ or 1+ oxidation states. Copper in the 3+, 4+, 0, and 2- oxidation states do exist, but are much more uncommon and are often unstable.
Copper is generally resistant to water and air, but over long periods of time, it does react to form a thin green coating on surfaces known as patina. Copper is not soluble in water, but can be dissolved in aqueous solutions of ammonia and potassium cyanide. When Liquid copper is exposed to air, it readily reacts with oxygen to form copper(II) oxide, and at higher temperatures it can even form copper(I) oxide and copper(I) sulfide in the presence of oxygen and sulfur respectively.