Copper

 The symbol of copper is Cu which is driven from Latin name cuprum. Its atomic number is 29, atomic weight is 63.57 and electronic configuration is as shown below.

Shell	K	L	M	N
Number of electrons	2	8	18	1
Orbitals	1s2	2s22p6	3s23p63d10	4S1

Position of copper in periodic table: Copper has one electron on its valence cell.its position is in Group IB of periodic table and falls on 4^th period of d-block element. Its valency is 1 or 2. By loosing 1 electron it forms cuprous ion(Cu⁺) or by loosing 2 electrons forms cupric ion(Cu⁺⁺).

Occurrence: copper is found in nature on pure state as well as in the form of different ores. Major ores of copper are, copper pyrite, coppel glance, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, cuprite etc. most of the copper is produced from copper pyrite.

Physical properties of copper:

• It is brown red shiny metal
• It is very good conductor of heat and electricity
• Its specific gravity is 8.95
• Its melting point is 1083^oC and boiling point is 2350^oC
• It is soft, malleable and ductile in nature

Uses of copper

• It is used to make coins
• It is used to make utensils
• It is used to make electrical wires and coils
• It is used for copper plating on other metals
• It is used to make positive electrodes on many electrolysis
• It is used to make calorimeter
• It is used to make many alloys like brass and bronze
• It is used to make different chemicals like copper sulphate
• It is used to make medicines and pesticides