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Uses of Copper (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Philippa Platt

Written by: Philippa Platt

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Oxford AQA ChemistryOxford AQA Combined Science Double Award: Chemistry

What is Copper used for?

  • Copper sits below hydrogen in the reactivity series so is an unreactive metal

  • The uses of copper relate to its properties

  • For example, it is an excellent electrical conductor and malleable so is used in wiring

Uses of Copper

Use

Property

electrical wiring

very good conductor of electricity and ductile

pots and pans

very good conductor of heat, unreactive, malleable

water pipes

unreactive (does not react with water) and malleable

surface in hospitals

antibacterial properties

  • Being unreactive malleable as well as decorative, copper is ideal to be used to carry water and also as plumbing fittings such as taps

Copper tap

A diagram to show a use of copper in plumbing
Copper is unreactive and so is safe to be used for water pipes and plumbing fittings

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    Philippa Platt

    Author: Philippa Platt

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

    Stewart Hird

    Author: Stewart Hird

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.