Symbol

Cu

Atomic Number

29

Atomic Mass

63.546

Family

Group 11 (Ib) Transition Metal Pronunciation

COP-per

Overview

Copper was one of the earliest elements known to man. At one time, it could be found lying on the ground in its native state or uncombined state. Copper's distinctive red color made it easy to identify. Early humans used copper for many purposes, including jewelry, tools, and weapons.

Copper is a transition metal, one of several elements found in rows 4 through 7 between Groups 2 and 13 in the periodic table. The periodic table is a chart that shows how chemical elements are related to each other.

Copper and its compounds have many important uses in modern society. Most electrical equipment has copper wiring. Copper is also used to make many alloys. An alloy is made by melting and mixing two or more metals. The mixture has properties different from those of the individual metals. The...