http://www.amsmetal.com.my/ Copper is one of the most widely used metals in the world, and for good reason too. This reddish-brown metal is highly versatile and advantageous for a wide variety of applications. Find out more about the different properties of copper below.

1. The Advantages of Copper

2. Copperis one of the most widely used metals in theCopperis one of the most widely used metals in the
world, and forgood reason too.world, and forgood reason too.
This reddish-brown metal is highly versatile andThis reddish-brown metal is highly versatile and
advantageous fora wide variety of applications.advantageous fora wide variety of applications.
Find out more about the different properties ofFind out more about the different properties of
copperbelow.copperbelow.

3. High Thermal and Electrical ConductivityHigh Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
Copper is characterised by its high thermal and electricalCopper is characterised by its high thermal and electrical
conductivity – silver is the only other pure metal to have aconductivity – silver is the only other pure metal to have a
higher electrical conductivity at room temperature. This ishigher electrical conductivity at room temperature. This is
because copper has a single valence electron that is free tobecause copper has a single valence electron that is free to
move with little resistance, thereby facilitating themove with little resistance, thereby facilitating the
conduction of electricity. Such properties make copper theconduction of electricity. Such properties make copper the
metal of choice for use in electrical wiring, circuit boards andmetal of choice for use in electrical wiring, circuit boards and
heat sinks.heat sinks.

4. DuctilityDuctility
Copper is also ductile, that is, it can be drawn out into aCopper is also ductile, that is, it can be drawn out into a
wire. A copper bar 4 inches thick can be heated, rolled,wire. A copper bar 4 inches thick can be heated, rolled,
then drawn into a wire thinner than a human hair! Thisthen drawn into a wire thinner than a human hair! This
makes it ideal for making electrical wires. Furthermore,makes it ideal for making electrical wires. Furthermore,
copper is easily obtainable and a cheaper resourcecopper is easily obtainable and a cheaper resource
compared to silver, despite its electrical conductivity.compared to silver, despite its electrical conductivity.

5. MalleabilitMalleabilit
yy
Malleability, or the ability to bend or be hammered intoMalleability, or the ability to bend or be hammered into
other shapes without breaking, is another characteristic ofother shapes without breaking, is another characteristic of
copper. Pure copper is very soft and malleable, as thecopper. Pure copper is very soft and malleable, as the
covalent bonds in copper are relatively weak. Copper’scovalent bonds in copper are relatively weak. Copper’s
malleability is the key reason why it is highly versatile andmalleability is the key reason why it is highly versatile and
ideal for various applications – for example, in makingideal for various applications – for example, in making
copper sheets, coins and utensils.copper sheets, coins and utensils.

6. Resistance toResistance to
CorrosionCorrosion
Copper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistantCopper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistant
properties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will changeproperties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will change
from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown.from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown.
Eventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, thatEventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, that
stops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnishstops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnish
easily, copper is highly durable and commonly used foreasily, copper is highly durable and commonly used for
making items such as coins.making items such as coins.

7. Resistance toResistance to
CorrosionCorrosion
Copper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistantCopper is highly valued for its corrosion-resistant
properties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will changeproperties. Copper does not rust; instead, it will change
from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown.from its usual reddish-orange colour to a reddish-brown.
Eventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, thatEventually, it is coated with a green film, or patina, that
stops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnishstops all further corrosion. Because it doesn’t tarnish
easily, copper is highly durable and commonly used foreasily, copper is highly durable and commonly used for
making items such as coins.making items such as coins.