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3 Cards in this Set

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Copper is an excellent electrical conductor. Most of its uses are based on this property or the fact that it is also a good thermal conductor. However, many of its applications also rely on one or more of its other properties. For example, it wouldn't make very good water and gas pipes if it were highly reactive. On this page, we look at these other properties:

* a good electrical conductor
* corrosion resistant
* Copper is low in the reactivity series. This means that it doesn't tend to corrode. Again, this is important for its use for pipes, electrical cables, saucepans and radiators.However, it also means that it is well suited to decorative use. Jewellery, statues and parts of buildings can be made from copper, brass or bronze and remain attractive for thousands of years.
* antibacterial

Copper is a naturally hygienic metal that slows down the growth of germs such as E-coli (the “burger bug”), MRSA (the hospital “superbug”) and legionella.

This is important for applications such as food preparation, hospitals, coins (see biocidal copper), door knobs and plumbing systems.

* easily joined
* Copper can be joined easily by soldering or brazing. This is useful for pipework and for making sealed copper vessels.
* ductile
* Copper is a ductile metal. This means that it can easily be shaped into pipes and drawn into wires
* non magnetic
* Copper is non magnetic and non sparking. Because of this, it is used in special tools and military applications.