Copper : Physical, Chemical Properties and Uses

This chemistry free ebooks explain physical, chemical properties and uses of Copper. Physical properties Copper is a reddish brown metal, with high lustre, high density and high melting point, that is 1356 degree celsius. Chemical Properties Action of air and moisture Copper gets covered with a green layer of basic copper carbonate, in the presence of carbon dioxide and moisture. Copper plus oxygen plus carbon dioxide plus water gives Basic Copper Carbonate, which is green. Action of Heat Copper when heated to redness (below1370 Kelvin) in the presence of oxygen or air, first it gets converted to black cupric oxide and further heating to above 1370 Kelvin, it gets converted into red cuprous oxide. Copper plus oxygen below 1370 Kelvin gives cupric oxide. Copper plus oxygen above 1370 Kelvin gives cuprous oxide. Action of acids With dilute Hydrochloric Acid and Sulphuric Acid Dilute acids such as hydrochloric and sulphuric acid have no action on these metals in the absence of air o