Copper (Cu)

About Copper

Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29, meaning every atom has 29 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 63.546 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Copper sits in group 11, period 4, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Copper

In daily life and industry, Copper is used for Electrical cables. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.

Electron Structure of Copper

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Copper has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 1 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

Frequently Asked Questions