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Copper

Metalsolid
Symbol: Cu
Atomic number: 29
Atomic mass: 63.546
Group: Transition Metal
CAS-number: 7440-50-8

Physical data
Isotopes
Other info
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Physical data

Electronic data

Shells: 2, 8, 18, 1
Orbitals: [Ar] 3d10 4s1
Electronegativity: 1.9, 1.7
1. Ionization potential: 7.7264 eV
2. Ionization potential: 20.292 eV
3. Ionization potential: 36.83 eV
Oxidation states: 2, 1
Electrical conductivity: 0.596 10^6

Thermal data

Melting point: 1083 °C
Boiling point: 2567 °C
Specific heat: 0.38 J/gK
Heat of fusion: 13.050 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization: 300.30 kJ/mol
Thermal conductivity: 4.01 W/cmK

Steric data

Atomic radius: 1.57 Å
Ionic radius: 0.73 Å (+2)
Covalent radius: 1.17 Å
Atomic volume: 7.1 cm³/mol
Density (293 K): 8.96 g/cm³
Crystal structure: cubic face centered
cubic face centered

Isotopes

NuclideAbundance [%]MassSpinHalflifeDecay modeDecay tree
61Cu 0 61 3/2 3.35h β+, EC View
62Cu 0 62 1 9.74m β+, EC View
63Cu 69.09 62.9296 3/2 -- --
64Cu 0 63.93 1 12.701h EC, β-, β+ View
65Cu 30.91 64.9278 3/2 -- --
67Cu 0 67 3/2 2.580d β- View

Other info

Name origin:Symbol from Latin: cuprum (island of Cyprus famed for its copper mines)
Description:Malleable, ductile, reddish-brown metal.
Discovered by:Known to the ancients
Year:--
Place:Unknown
Sources:Pure copper occurs rarely in nature. Usually found in sulfides as in chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), covellite (CuS), chalcocite (Cu2S) or oxides like cuprite (Cu2O).
Use(s):Most often used as an electrical conductor. Also used in the manufacture of water pipes. Its alloys are used in jewelry and for coins.