Katiepiner_historyofcopper



Certain archeological evidence has led us to believe that copper has been used for at least 11,000 years. It is also said to be discovered around 600 B.C. It is also said to be first used in Turkey as coins but no one can say defiantly where or when copper was first discovered. The Roman Empire got most of its copper from Cyprus which is where the name copper originated. Copper is second in electrical conductance (//measure of ability of an object/substance to transmit electricity)// and it is used to form wire. Copper is resistant to corrosion //(something destroyed gradually by chemical action)// from air, moisture, and seawater because of this copper is used to make coins. The American penny is made of zinc that is coated with copper. Copper can also be used while making jewelry and water pipes. Pure copper is much too soft for most uses because copper is so soft it is commonly mixed with other metals to become stronger. Some alloys of copper would be bronze and brass.
 * History**

Copper is a metal that at room temperature remains solid, it has an orangey red. It can be mixed with tin to form the alloy bronze, which had been used to make weapons, tools, and containers. Another common mix of metals are zinc and copper to form brass, //(first used about 2,500 years ago)// brass is used to form instruments, screws, and coins. Copper is resistant to corrosion which is why it is a useful to make coins and water pipes.
 * Uses and Properties**

Copper can be mixed with other metals to fill daily need. The best known copper compound is hydrate copper sulfate (CuSO4·H2O), more commonly known as blue vitrol. Blue Vitrol is used for an agricultural poison, algicide (//substance that kills/prevents the algae growth)// put into the water purification process, and a blue color for ink. Cuperic chloride (CuCl2) is used for fixing dyes to fabrics. Cuprous chloride (CuCl) is a poisonous powder that is used to absorb carbon dioxide.
 * Compounds**

Main Page