Uses of Copper

Section 1 of 6Why copper is so useful

An unreactive metal

• An unreactive metal Copper lies below hydrogen in the reactivity series, so it does not react with water or dilute acids.
• This means it resists corrosion and can safely carry drinking water.

Good conductor

• Good conductor Copper has delocalised electrons that move freely, so it conducts both electricity and heat very well.

Malleable and ductile

• Malleable and ductile Layers of copper atoms slide over each other without the metal breaking.
  • It can be hammered into shape (malleable) and drawn into wires (ductile).

Attractive and antibacterial

• Attractive and antibacterial Copper has a warm, shiny appearance and its surface kills many bacteria.

Section 2 of 6Matching uses to properties

Use	Property that makes it suitable
Electrical wiring	Excellent electrical conductor and ductile, so it can be drawn into long thin wires that carry current with little energy lost as heat.
Pots and pans	Very good conductor of heat, unreactive so it does not contaminate food, and malleable so it can be shaped.
Water pipes and fittings	Unreactive so it does not react with water, and malleable so pipes can be bent around corners.
Hospital surfaces such as handles and rails	Antibacterial properties help to reduce the spread of infection.

Section 3 of 6Building an exam answer

1

Name the use clearly, for example a water pipe or a cable.

2

Pick the property that matters most for that job, such as conducting electricity or being unreactive.

3

Link the property to the job using a connecting word such as 'so' or 'because'.

4

Where possible add a second property, for example ductile as well as conductive, to earn the extra mark.

Section 4 of 6Why unreactivity matters

Position below hydrogen

Plumbing

• Plumbing Water does not corrode copper, so pipes last for decades without leaking and the water stays safe to drink.

Cooking

• Cooking Food acids do not react with the pan surface, so no harmful copper compounds form during normal use.

Long life

• Long life Unreactive metals keep their strength and appearance, so copper is also used for roofing and decoration.

Section 5 of 6Key terms

Term	Meaning
Malleable	Able to be hammered or bent into shape without breaking.
Ductile	Able to be drawn out into thin wires.
Conductor	A material that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily.
Unreactive	Does not easily take part in chemical reactions; copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
Antibacterial	Able to kill bacteria or stop them growing.

Section 6 of 6Exam technique

1

Writing that copper is used for wires because it is strong. The key properties are that it is a good electrical conductor and ductile.

2

Saying copper does not corrode at all. It is unreactive, but it can slowly develop a green coating over many years.

3

Using the single word 'conductor' without saying whether it conducts heat or electricity. Name which one the use needs.

4

Giving a property without linking it to the use. 'Copper is unreactive' needs 'so it does not react with water in pipes'.