Copper

Copper (Cu)

Copper is the 29th element in the periodic table and has a symbol of Cu and atomic number of 29. It has an atomic weight of 63.546 and a mass number of 63. Copper has twenty-nine protons and thirty-four neutrons in its nucleus, and twenty-nine electrons in four shells. It is located in group eleven, period four and block d of the periodic table. Red-brown transition element. Known by the Romans as 'cuprum.' Extracted and used for thousands of years. Malleable, ductile and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. When in moist conditions, a greenish layer forms on the outside.
Atomic Number29
Atomic Weight63.546
Mass Number63
Group11
Period4
Blockd
Protons29 p+
Neutrons34 n0
Electrons29 e-
Animated Bohr Model of Cu (Copper)

Properties

Physical Properties
Atomic Radius
135 pm
Molar Volume
Covalent Radius
112 pm
Metallic Radius
118 pm
Ionic Radius
46 pm
Crystal Radius
60 pm
Van der Waals Radius
196 pm
Density
8.96 g/cm³
Energy
Proton Affinity
655.3 kJ/mol
Electron Affinity
Ionization Energy
7.72638 eV/particle
Ionization Energies of Cu (Copper)
Heat of Vaporization
304.6 kJ/mol
Heat of Fusion
13.01 kJ/mol
Heat of Formation
337.4 kJ/mol
Electrons
Electron Shells2, 8, 18, 1
Bohr Model: Cu (Copper)
Valence Electrons1
Electron Configuration[Ar] 3d10 4s1
Enhanced Bohr Model of Cu (Copper)
Orbital Diagram of Cu (Copper)
Oxidation States-2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
Electronegativity
1.9
Electrophilicity
1.546403297611602 eV/particle
Phases
PhaseSolid
Gas Phase
Boiling Point
2,833.15 K
Melting Point
1,357.77 K
Critical Pressure
Critical Temperature
Triple Point
Visual

Copper is a Copper. Cu has a CPK of #a52a2a, Jmol of #c88033, and MOLCAS GV of #c88033. The Appearance of Element 29 is red-orange metallic luster.

Color
Copper
Appearancered-orange metallic luster
Refractive Index
Thermodynamic Properties
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion
0.0000165 1/K
Molar Heat Capacity
24.44 J/(mol K)
Specific Heat Capacity
0.385 J/(g⋅K)
Heat Capacity Ratio (Adiabatic Index)
Electrical Properties
TypeConductor
Electrical Conductivity
59 MS/m
Electrical Resistivity
0.000000017 m Ω
Superconducting Point
Magnetism
Typediamagnetic
Magnetic Susceptibility (Mass)
-0.00000000108 m³/Kg
Magnetic Susceptibility (Molar)
-0.0000000000686 m³/mol
Magnetic Susceptibility (Volume)
-0.00000963
Magnetic Ordering
Curie Point
Neel Point
Structure

The Crystal Structure of Copper is FCC. The lattice constant of Cu is 3.61 Å. The lattice angles of Element 29 are π/2, π/2, π/2.

Crystal StructureFace Centered Cubic (FCC)
Lattice Constant
3.61 Å
Lattice Anglesπ/2, π/2, π/2
Mechanical Properties

Copper has a Brinell of 874 MPa, Mohs hardness of 3 MPa, and Vickers of 369 MPa. The Bulk Modulus of Cu is 140 GPa. The Shear Modulus of Element 29 is 48 GPa. The Young Modulus of Copper (Cu) is 130 GPa. The Poisson Ratio of Copper is 0.34. The Speed of Sound of Cu is 3570 m/s.

Hardness
3 MPa
Bulk Modulus
140 GPa
Shear Modulus
48 GPa
Young Modulus
130 GPa
Poisson Ratio
0.34
Speed of Sound
3,570 m/s
Classification

The CAS Group of Copper is IB. The IUPAC Group of Cu is IB. The Glawe Number of Element 29 is 68. The Mendeleev Number of Copper (Cu) is 71. The Pettifor Number of Copper is 72. The Geochemical Class of Cu is first series transition metal. The Goldschmidt Class of Element 29 is chalcophile.

CategoryTransition metals, Transition metals
CAS GroupIB
IUPAC GroupIB
Glawe Number68
Mendeleev Number71
Pettifor Number72
Geochemical Classfirst series transition metal
Goldschmidt Classchalcophile
Other

The Gas Basicity of Copper is 632.4 kJ/mol. The Dipole Polarizability of Cu is 46.5 plus or minus 0.5 a₀. Element 29 has a C6 Dispersion Coefficient (CD) of 253 a₀, and C6 Dispersion Coefficient (GB) of 264 a₀. The Allotropes of Copper (Cu) is . The Neutron Cross Section of Copper is 3.78. The Neutron Mass Absorption of Cu is 0.0021. The Quantum Numbers of Element 29 is 2S1/2. The Space Group of Copper (Cu) is 225 (Fm_3m).

Gas Basicity
632.4 kJ/mol
Dipole Polarizability
46.5 ± 0.5 a₀
C6 Dispersion Coefficient
253 a₀
Allotropes
Neutron Cross Section
3.78
Neutron Mass Absorption
0.0021
Quantum Numbers2S1/2
Space Group225 (Fm_3m)

Isotopes of Copper

Stable Isotopes2
Unstable Isotopes31
Radioactive Isotopes27

52Cu

Abundance
Relative Atomic Mass
51.997982 ± 0.000644 Da
Mass Number52
G-Factor
Half Life
Spin3
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year
Parity+

52Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
p (proton emission)%

53Cu

Abundance
Relative Atomic Mass
52.985894 ± 0.000537 Da
Mass Number53
G-Factor
Half Life
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year
Parity-

53Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
p (proton emission)%

54Cu

Abundance
Relative Atomic Mass
53.977198 ± 0.000429 Da
Mass Number54
G-Factor
Half Life
Spin3
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year
Parity+

54Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
p (proton emission)%

55Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
54.966038 ± 0.000167 Da
Mass Number55
G-Factor
Half Life
55.9 ± 1.5 ms
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1987
Parity-

55Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)%

56Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
55.958529278 ± 0.000006864 Da
Mass Number56
G-Factor
Half Life
80.8 ± 0.6 ms
Spin4
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1987
Parity+

56Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%
β+ p (β+-delayed proton emission)0.4%

57Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
56.949211686 ± 0.000000537 Da
Mass Number57
G-Factor
1.7213333333333 ± 0.0046666666666667
Half Life
196.4 ± 0.7 ms
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1976
Parity-

57Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

58Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
57.944532283 ± 0.000000604 Da
Mass Number58
G-Factor
0.571 ± 0.002
Half Life
3.204 ± 0.007 s
Spin1
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1952
Parity+

58Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

59Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
58.939496713 ± 0.000000566 Da
Mass Number59
G-Factor
1.2620666666667 ± 0.0006
Half Life
81.5 ± 0.5 s
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1947
Parity-

59Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

60Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
59.937363787 ± 0.000001731 Da
Mass Number60
G-Factor
0.61 ± 0.00025
Half Life
23.7 ± 0.4 m
Spin2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1947
Parity+

60Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

61Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
60.933457375 ± 0.00000102 Da
Mass Number61
G-Factor
1.4071333333333 ± 0.00033333333333333
Half Life
3.343 ± 0.016 h
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1937
Parity-

61Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

62Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
61.932594803 ± 0.000000683 Da
Mass Number62
G-Factor
-0.38 ± 0.0004
Half Life
9.672 ± 0.008 m
Spin1
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1936
Parity+

62Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)100%

63Cu

Abundance
69.15 ± 0.15
Relative Atomic Mass
62.929597119 ± 0.000000457 Da
Mass Number63
G-Factor
Half Life
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
-0.22 ± 0.015
Discovery Year1923
Parity-

64Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
63.929764001 ± 0.000000458 Da
Mass Number64
G-Factor
-0.2166 ± 0.0004
Half Life
12.7004 ± 0.0013 h
Spin1
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1936
Parity+

64Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β+ (β+ decay; β+ = ϵ + e+)61.52%
β (β decay)38.48%

65Cu

Abundance
30.85 ± 0.15
Relative Atomic Mass
64.927789476 ± 0.00000069 Da
Mass Number65
G-Factor
Half Life
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
-0.204 ± 0.014
Discovery Year1923
Parity-

66Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
65.928868804 ± 0.000000696 Da
Mass Number66
G-Factor
-0.2826 ± 0.0008
Half Life
5.12 ± 0.014 m
Spin1
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1937
Parity+

66Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

67Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
66.92772949 ± 0.000000957 Da
Mass Number67
G-Factor
1.6780666666667 ± 0.0004
Half Life
61.83 ± 0.12 h
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1948
Parity-

67Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

68Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
67.929610887 ± 0.0000017 Da
Mass Number68
G-Factor
2.396 ± 0.0006
Half Life
30.9 ± 0.6 s
Spin1
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1953
Parity+

68Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

69Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
68.929429267 ± 0.0000015 Da
Mass Number69
G-Factor
1.8943333333333 ± 0.00066666666666667
Half Life
2.85 ± 0.15 m
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1966
Parity-

69Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

70Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
69.932392078 ± 0.000001161 Da
Mass Number70
G-Factor
0.22801666666667 ± 0.000083333333333333
Half Life
44.5 ± 0.2 s
Spin6
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1971
Parity-

70Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

71Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
70.932676831 ± 0.0000016 Da
Mass Number71
G-Factor
Half Life
19.4 ± 1.4 s
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1983
Parity-

71Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

72Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
71.935820306 ± 0.0000015 Da
Mass Number72
G-Factor
Half Life
6.63 ± 0.03 s
Spin2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1983
Parity-

72Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%

73Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
72.936674376 ± 0.000002084 Da
Mass Number73
G-Factor
Half Life
4.2 ± 0.12 s
Spin3/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1983
Parity-

73Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)0.029%

74Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
73.93987486 ± 0.0000066 Da
Mass Number74
G-Factor
-0.5335 ± 0.0006
Half Life
1.606 ± 0.009 s
Spin2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1987
Parity-

74Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)0.075%

75Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
74.941523817 ± 0.00000077 Da
Mass Number75
G-Factor
0.40276 ± 0.0004
Half Life
1.224 ± 0.003 s
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1985
Parity-

75Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)2.7%

76Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
75.945268974 ± 0.00000098 Da
Mass Number76
G-Factor
-0.36356666666667 ± 0.0005
Half Life
637.7 ± 5.5 ms
Spin3
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1987
Parity-

76Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)7.2%

77Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
76.947543599 ± 0.0000013 Da
Mass Number77
G-Factor
0.63852 ± 0.00068
Half Life
470.3 ± 1.7 ms
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1987
Parity-

77Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)30.1%

78Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
77.951916524 ± 0.000014312 Da
Mass Number78
G-Factor
0.039666666666667 ± 0.0005
Half Life
330.7 ± 2 ms
Spin6
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1991
Parity-

78Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)50.6%
2n (2-neutron emission)%

79Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
78.9544731 ± 0.0001127 Da
Mass Number79
G-Factor
Half Life
241.3 ± 2.1 ms
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1991
Parity-

79Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)66%
2n (2-neutron emission)%

80Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
79.960623 ± 0.000322 Da
Mass Number80
G-Factor
Half Life
113.3 ± 6.4 ms
Spin
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year1995
Parity

80Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)58%
2n (2-neutron emission)%

81Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
80.965743 ± 0.000322 Da
Mass Number81
G-Factor
Half Life
73.2 ± 6.8 ms
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year2010
Parity-

81Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)81%
2n (2-neutron emission)%

82Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
81.972378 ± 0.000429 Da
Mass Number82
G-Factor
Half Life
34 ± 7 ms
Spin
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year2010
Parity

82Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)100%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)%
2n (2-neutron emission)%

83Cu

AbundanceRadioactive ☢️
Relative Atomic Mass
82.97811 ± 0.000537 Da
Mass Number83
G-Factor
Half Life
Spin5/2
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year2017
Parity-

83Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)%
2n (2-neutron emission)%

84Cu

Abundance
Relative Atomic Mass
83.985271 ± 0.000537 Da
Mass Number84
G-Factor
Half Life
Spin
Quadrupole Moment
Discovery Year
Parity

84Cu Decay Modes
Decay ModeIntensity
β (β decay)%
β n (β-delayed neutron emission)%
NatCopper

History

Copper occurs naturally as native copper and was known to some of the oldest civilizations on record. Earliest estimates of the discovery of copper suggest around 9000 BC in the Middle East. It was one of the most important materials to humans throughout the copper and bronze ages. From the Latin word cuprum, from the island of Cyprus

DiscoverersKnown to the ancients.
Discovery Location
Discovery Year
Etymology (Name Origin)Symbol from Latin: cuprum (island of Cyprus famed for its copper mines).
PronunciationKOP-er (English)
Cooking acidic food in copper pots can cause toxicity
Pure copper is orange-red and acquires a reddish tarnish when exposed to air

Uses

Copper is often used for electrical wiring applications and for household plumbing applications. Copper sulfate is used as a fungicide and as an algicide in rivers, lakes and ponds. It is also used in cookware and cooking utensils. Commercially important alloys such as brass and bronze are made with copper and other metals. Most often used as an electrical conductor. Also used in the manufacture of water pipes. Its alloys are used in jewelry and for coins.

Sources

Pure copper occurs rarely in nature. Usually found in sulfides as in chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), coveline (CuS), chalcosine (Cu2S) or oxides like cuprite (Cu2O).

Abundance
Abundance in Earth's crust
Abundance in Oceans
0.00025 mg/L
Abundance in Human Body
0.0001 %
Abundance in Meteor
0.011 %
Abundance in Sun
0.00007 %
Abundance in Universe
0.000006 %

Nuclear Screening Constants

1s0.6614
2p3.903
2s7.9802
3d15.7994
3p14.2694
3s13.4057
4s23.1576