Copper (Cuprum) is a metal element and a transition element, with chemical symbol Cu, English copper and atomic number 29. Pure copper is a kind of soft metal. When it is just cut, its surface is reddish-orange with metallic luster, and its simple substance is purplish red. Good ductility, high thermal and electrical conductivity, so it is the most commonly used material in cables and electrical and electronic components.

It can also be used as a building material and can form a variety of alloys. Copper alloys have excellent mechanical properties and low resistivity, among which bronze and brass are the most important. In addition, copper is also a durable metal, which can be recycled many times without damaging its mechanical properties.

Study history

Humans have used copper and its alloys for thousands of years. The main copper mine in ancient Rome was Cyprus, so it was originally named cyprium (meaning metal of Cyprus), and later became cuprum, which was the source of its English (copper), French (cuivre) and German (Kupfer).

Copper is one of the earliest metals used by human beings. As early as prehistoric times, people began to mine open-pit copper mines and use the obtained copper to make weapons, tools and other utensils. The use of copper had a far-reaching impact on the progress of early human civilization.