Copper is a chemical element with symbol Cu (from Latin:cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a reddish-orange color.
Three reasons Copper stands out
- 1
Used in electrical wiring.
- 2
It has natural antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and viruses on contact.
- 3
The Statue of Liberty gets its green colour from a thin layer of oxidised compounds of this metal.
The metal that wired civilization
Copper carries electricity efficiently while remaining ductile enough to draw into long wires. Exposure gradually creates protective green and brown surface compounds, as seen on old roofs and statues. Long before electrical grids, copper and its alloy bronze helped define entire eras of tools and art.