Copper

 

A ductile, malleable, reddish-brown metallic element that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is widely used for electrical wiring, water piping, and corrosion-resistant parts, either pure or in alloys such as brass and bronze. The most common uses  are in Tubing, pipes - Plumbing, Wire, Electromagnets, Statues, Watt's steam engine, Vacuum tubes, Musical instruments, Component of coins, Cookware and Cutlery.

We are learning about the element copper. The name originates from the Latin word cyprium, after the island of Cyprus. Copper was associated with the goddess named Aphrodite / Venus in Greek and Roman mythology. The island of Cyprus was sacred to the goddess. In alchemy, the symbol for copper was also the symbol for the planet Venus. In Greek times, the metal was known by the name Chalkos. In Roman times, it became known as Cyprium because so much of it was mined in Cyprus.

It's not every day that people consider all the neat facts about copper, but there are rather interesting things to learn about this renewable metal. Fortunately, there's no need to look any further, as we've found the best fun facts you need to know about copper!

The Statue of Liberty is made from 179,000 pounds of copper. The average home contains 400 pounds of copper that is used for electrical wiring, pipes and appliances. The average car has 50 pounds of copper. All gold contains some level of copper, even 24 karat gold. This is because gold is so soft; it can be molded with the hands and calls for a bit of copper to be added.

Professional chefs prefer to cook with copper pots and pans, as it delivers uniform cooking and has no heat spots. Copper is naturally antibacterial. Brass doorknobs, handrails and fingerplates are excellent choices for public buildings and will prevent the spread of bacteria. Copper tools will not cause sparks, making them the tools of choice when working around explosives.

Copper is 100% recyclable and nearly 80% of the copper that has been produced is still in use today. Copper can continue to be recycled without any changes to its properties. In fact, it retains 95% of its original value. Copper is often referred to as "man's eternal metal". It's highly durable, long lasting and can be used in all applications of life. The average person will use 1500 pounds of copper just to enjoy today's standard of living. Think computers, telephones, automobiles, etc.

U.S. coins today consist of a solid copper core and layer of copper-nickel alloy. A copper earthing system could save the lives of people who are struck by lightning, as well as save the homes and structures that are damaged from lightning strikes. Copper is everywhere: TVs, radios, electrical wiring, plumbing, washers and dryers. It is often alloyed with zinc or tin to make brass or bronze, giving it a golden-like color. Archaeological evidence suggests that people have been using copper for at least 11,000 years. Relatively easy to mine and refine, people discovered methods for extracting copper from its ores at least 7,000 years ago. Wow, now that is a lot of copper!