The Atomic Structure Of Copper: How Copper Is Used By Humans

Copper was the first metal that is used by humans as weapons and tools. It is shinny and has a reddish brown color. It’s application toward humans has really changed the way we live. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, which is often used as electrical wires or cables in generators, motors and electric products. In addition, it is also an outstanding conductor of heat, which is used in radiators and heating systems. Since it does not react with water and corrode easily, it is widely used as water pipes.

This diagram is the atomic structure of copper. As shown , it has 29 electrons and it is a transition metal ,which isn’t very reactive. The first shell has 2 electrons, second shells has 8 electrons, third shell has 18 electrons and the fourth shell has 1 electron.
However, the copper produced during the process is not pure enough for use, so it must be purified using electrolysis. During the process of purifying of the copper, the negative electrode, the cathode, which is the pure copper, and the positive electrode, the anode, which is the impure copper are both placed in a solution of copper sulfate. After a great amount of time, the electrical supply pulls electrons off of the copper atoms at the anode and the positive copper ions are attracted to the cathode, where they turn into copper atoms. The size of the pure copper cathode then increases, while the anode dwindles away. The Oxidation occurred can be seen in this equation,Cu2+ +