COP-PER
Copper is one of the metals that has been a part of civilization for thousands of years. Iron, copper, gold, and silver have all been used in one form or another. While you might not think of copper being used for anything but coins, it is a key element in the creation of bronze. Copper has been in use for so long because it is found by itself as a pure element. You could be digging in a mine and come across pure copper in a variety of forms.
It's one of those elements that was never really discovered. It has been a part of every step in the development of civilization. The thing we keep discovering is the variety of places copper is used in nature. This transition metal is well known for the two colors that are reddish when pure and a turquoise color when copper is oxidized.
Where can you find copper?
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Alloys Copper, like nickel, is used in many alloys. Brass and bronze are only a few of the big names. Copper on its own is great for many uses. Scientists have learned that mixing a small amount of copper with other metals increases their strength and usefulness. |
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Pipes and Wires Pure copper is also used in many situations. The water pipes in your house are probably made out of copper and the wiring in your walls probably uses pure copper wire. |
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Coins While times have changed in the United States, pennies used to be made from copper. Now they aren't pure. Many other countries still use copper to make coins. |
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Electronics Copper is fantastic at conducting electricity. Engineers have been using copper in electronics for years. |
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Poisons Copper is great at building civilizations, but not very good for organisms. Many pesticides are made with small amounts of copper and moelcules that contain copper. |
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