2963.546CuCopper
Copper (Cu) — element 29transition metal · group 11, period 4
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a transition metal in group 11, period 4 of the periodic table (the d-block), with a standard atomic mass of 63.546 u. At room temperature (25 °C) copper is a solid.
💡 Known for: An excellent electrical conductor used in wiring and plumbing, and alloyed into bronze and brass.
# Copper properties
| Symbol | Cu |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 29 |
| Atomic mass | 63.546 u |
| Category | transition metal |
| Group | 11 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ |
| Full configuration | 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 1 |
| Protons / electrons | 29 / 29 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1357.77 K (1084.6 °C, 1984.3 °F) |
| Boiling point | 2835 K (2561.8 °C, 4643.3 °F) |
| Density | 8.96 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.9 |
| First ionization energy | 7.726 eV |
| Atomic radius | 145 pm |
| Discovered | known since ancient times |
# Electron configuration of copper
The electron configuration of copper is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹, written out in full as 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹. Its 29 electrons fill 4 shells as 2, 8, 18, 1, so the outermost shell holds 1 electron.
# Related elements
NiNickelprevious elementZnZincnext elementAgSilvergroup 11AuGoldgroup 11RgRoentgeniumgroup 11ScScandiumtransition metalTiTitaniumtransition metalVVanadiumtransition metalCrChromiumtransition metalMnManganesetransition metalFeIrontransition metalCoCobalttransition metalYYttriumtransition metal
# Copper FAQ
What is the atomic number of copper?
The atomic number of copper is 29: every copper atom has 29 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Cu.
What is the atomic mass of copper?
The standard atomic mass of copper is 63.546 u.
What is the electron configuration of copper?
Copper's electron configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ (1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹), with 2, 8, 18, 1 electrons per shell.
Is copper a metal?
Yes. Copper is a transition metal, one of the metals.
What is the melting point of copper?
Copper melts at 1357.77 K (1084.6 °C, 1984.3 °F) and boils at 2835 K (2561.8 °C, 4643.3 °F).
What is copper used for / known for?
An excellent electrical conductor used in wiring and plumbing, and alloyed into bronze and brass.