Is copper a metal, nonmetal or metalloid?
Quick Answer
Copper is a reddish metal with the chemical symbol of Cu. The word copper comes from the Latin “cuprum,” which means "metal from Cyprus." In ancient times, the island of Cyprus was a mining site for copper.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Dating back to prehistoric times, copper was one of the earliest metals known to man. Likewise, for thousands of years, man also used the copper alloy bronze to make tools, jewelry, and weapons.
Copper is soft and ductile, and it has a high electrical conductivity. It also has a high melting point of 1084.62 degrees Celsius. Because of copper’s good thermal and electrical conductivity properties, one of its main uses is for electrical wiring. Alloys of copper, such as brass and bronze, also have important applications in construction and plumbing.
Learn more about Atoms & MoleculesRelated Questions
-
Q:
Is sodium a metal, nonmetal or metalloid?
A: Sodium is listed with the metals on the periodic table of elements. It is silvery white and soft in its pure form. Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is gold a metal nonmetal or metalloid?
A: Gold is a valuable metal that has an atomic number of 79. Dating back nearly 5,500 years, different civilizations used gold in jewelry and artwork. These e... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is silicon a metal, a nonmetal or a metalloid?
A: Silicon is a metalloid, a semimetallic element that is neither a metal nor a nonmetal but has some of the properties or characteristics of the two. A semi-... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is magnesium a metal, nonmetal or metalloid?
A: Magnesium is classified as an alkaline earth metal. Metals are defined as elements that can be hammered into sheets (malleable), made into a wire (ductile)... Full Answer >Filed Under:
