Section 1 of 4Properties of Copper
Copper is chosen for many jobs because of a small set of useful properties.
Conductivity
- Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat because it has delocalised electrons.
Malleability and ductility
- Copper can be shaped easily and drawn into wires without breaking.
Unreactivity
- Copper sits below hydrogen in the reactivity series, so it does not react with water or dilute acids.
Antibacterial
- Copper surfaces can kill some bacteria, which makes it useful for surfaces in hospitals.
Section 2 of 4Matching Uses to Properties
In each use, one property is the main reason copper is chosen.
1
Electrical wiring uses copper because it is a very good conductor of electricity and can be drawn into thin wires.
2
Pots and pans use copper because it conducts heat well and can be shaped while remaining unreactive with food.
3
Water pipes and taps use copper because it does not react with water and can be bent or joined into fittings.
4
Hospital surfaces use copper because its antibacterial properties help to reduce the spread of microbes.
| Use | Main properties |
|---|---|
| Electrical wiring | Very good conductor of electricity; ductile |
| Pots and pans | Very good conductor of heat; unreactive; malleable |
| Water pipes | Unreactive with water; malleable |
| Hospital surfaces | Antibacterial |
Section 3 of 4Limitations of Pure Copper
Limitations of Pure Copper
Strength
- Pure copper is relatively soft, so it is sometimes alloyed with other metals to make it stronger.
Cost
- Copper is more expensive than iron, so iron or steel is preferred for large structures.
Corrosion
- Copper gradually forms a green coating over time, which changes its appearance.
Recycling
- Copper can be recycled without losing its useful properties, which reduces the need for new mining.
Section 4 of 4Exam Checklist & Tips
3.1.3 – Key Points for the Exam
- Ductile Able to be drawn into a wire without breaking.
- Unreactive Not readily taking part in chemical reactions under normal conditions.
- Reactivity series A list of metals ordered by how readily they react.
- Antibacterial Able to kill or slow the growth of bacteria.
Common Mistakes
- Saying copper is used in wiring because it is cheap; it is chosen for its conductivity and ductility.
- Describing copper as unreactive because it sits above hydrogen;
- it sits below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
- Stating that copper is used for pots because it is a poor conductor of heat.
- Assuming that every metal is suitable for water pipes;
- reactivity determines whether a metal can be used safely.