Due to its high ductility, electrical conductivity and malleability, it is the most widely used material for the manufacture of electrical cables, Electron components and electrical elements. Copper incorporates a very large number of alloys which normally have better mechanical properties, although they have lower electrical conductivity. The most important are called brass and bronze.
On the other hand, copper is a durable metal because it can be recycled an unlimited number of times without losing its mechanical properties. It was one of the first metals used by humans in prehistoric times.
Contents
Uses of copper
Means of transport
Telecommunications and electricity
Copper is a non-precious metal that has excellent electrical conductivity. This, along with its mechanical strength and ductility, make it the most widely used material for making electrical cables for residential and industrial use. Copper conductors are also used in many electrical equipment such as motors, generators and transformers. The main alternative to copper for these applications is aluminum.
Most telephone cables are made of copper, these allow access to the Internet. The main alternatives to copper for telecommunications are wireless systems and fiber optics. On the other hand, each of the telecommunications and computer equipment is made of copper to a greater or lesser extent. Some of them are internal wiring, transformers and integrated circuits.
coins
In the Middle Ages, coins began to be minted and copper was used as a raw material. Many times in pure form and at other times it has been used in alloys such as cupro-nickel and bronze.
Ornamentation and Construction
Much of the networks that carry water are made of brass or copper thanks to their antibacterial properties and resistance to corrosion, leaving lead pipes in disuse due to their harmful effects on human health. Compared to plastic pipes, copper pipes have the advantage that they do not burn in the event of a fire and for this reason highly toxic gases and fumes are not released.
Bronze and copper are used as coatings and architectural elements in facades, roofs, windows and doors. Copper is frequently used for doorknobs in public places because its antibacterial properties prevent the spread of epidemics.
Miscellaneous applications
Copper is the raw material of many different and varied components of all types of machinery such as bearings, rings, gaskets, among others. It is found in elements of light bulbs, jewelry, fluorescent tubes, coins, electromagnets, microwaves, wind musical instruments, air conditioning and heating systems.
Electron configuration of copper
Following the diagonal rule, the number of electrons an orbital can hold is placed, keeping in mind the maximum supported range. According to this, the exponent will be located.
After performing the rule of the diagonals and the maximum capacity of the electrons housed in each of the orbits, the atomic number of the element is taken, in this case the copper whose number is 29 and it begins to disperse in each electron, obtaining the following Electron configurations: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d9.
When each of the exponents is added, the total number of electrons should be obtained, which should be similar to the atomic number, i.e. 29 in the case of copper.
Copper Electron configuration without the use of diagonals
To achieve this configuration, it suffices to first complete the largest orbitals, then to move on to the next one, modifying only the last part of the configuration that was achieved with the diagonals in the previous case. The electron configuration is therefore: [Ar] 3d104s1
