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What is one use of copper?

Updated: 8/11/2023
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12y ago

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What is arguably the largest use of copper is in the manufacture of wire for electrical distribution. It's a good conductor (compared to other metals), is fairly common and relatively inexpensive, and is easy to work. Copper is also used in other applications where its conductive power is a plus, like circuit board manufacture.

We see a lot of copper pipe and tubing, too. It is fairly easy to make and is easily cut and joined via fitting or by soldering, which is a form of brazing. Copper is used in construction to carry water, or even gas. And in marine environments, it resists sea water's corrosive effects.

Copper, because of its good thermal conduction properties, is frequently used to make cookware. It is also used to make thermally conductive and corrosion resistant alloys, like brass. The list of things that copper is used for is a long one. Use the links below to check out more.

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14y ago
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11y ago

Electrical Applications

Approximately 65% of copper produced is used for electrical applications. Copper has the highest electrical conductivity of any metal, apart from silver or gold, leading to applications in:

  • Power generation and transmission - generators, Transformers, motors, busbars and cables provide and deliver electricity safely and efficiently to homes and businesses.
  • Electrical equipment - providing circuitry, wiring and contacts for PCs, TVs and mobile phones.

Copper has a key role to play in energy efficiency - the judicious use of 1 tonne of copper in the energy sector makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions by 200 tonnes per year on average.

Construction

25% of all the copper produced is used in buildings - for Plumbing, roofing and cladding. Copper provides light, durable maintenance-free structures that are naturally good looking, long lasting and fully recyclable. Copper's naturally antimicrobial properties can be exploited in hygienic surfaces for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Transport

Trains, trams, cars and lorries all need copper and transport accounts for 7% of copper usage. The high purity copper wire harness system carries the current from the battery throughout the vehicle to equipment such as lights, central locking, on-board computers and satellite navigation systems. Electric super trams in cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and Croydon, provide clean, efficient transport powered by electric motors. The overhead contact wires are either copper-silver or copper-cadmium alloys.

Antibacterial

Copper has known antibacterial effects, and surfaces made with copper or its alloys can help to reduce the spread of disease.

Other

The remaining 3% is used for coins, sculptures, Musical Instruments and cookware.

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11y ago

Copper has many uses, among which are:

  • electrical wiring
  • water supply and drainage pipes
  • roof flashings and roofing material
  • guttering and downspouts
  • fasteners and connectors
  • electrical motors
  • batteries
  • component of metal alloys
  • ornamentation
  • lightning rods
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6y ago

Copper is commonly used for wiring, plumbing, and coins.

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11y ago

the uses of copper are, making coins e.g. one pence and 2 pence cya :)

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12y ago

one use for copper is to use it for weapons

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15y ago

Indoor plumbing, pennies, the Statue of Liberty.

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11y ago

construction is a use

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13y ago

Wire

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Related questions

Why do we use copper for weapons?

We use copper because copper is one if the stronger metals that we have in the USA. Copper is also one of our most valued metals there are.


What is the use of a copper bird bath?

A copper bird bath is a copper vessel that holds water for birds to bathe in. One advantage of a copper bird bath over an iron bird bath is that copper does not rust.


Why do plugs use copper?

plugs use copper because copper is a conducter of electricity


Is reactivity to water a physical property of copper?

Reactivity is a chemical property. And copper is not very reactive to water (which is one of the reasons why copper makes great pipes for use in plumbing).


What can you use in place of a gasget?

copper sheet/if the cylinder head is a small one


Can humans use copper sulphate for infection?

No, at one point it was used as an emetic, but it was later discovered that copper sulphate is quite toxic to humans.


What famous structures are made from copper?

the eiffle tower involves copper mixed with tin to strenghen it. this is the main one. It depends on what you mean by made from copper. Many buildings use copper in their roof. In Las Vegas their is a beautiful building that has a copper roof, the Mormon Temple.


Why do you use copper?

We use copper because it is just the right metal to use in all these jobs it does. It is good at what it does


How can you separate iron nails from copper tacks?

You could use a magnet - if you have one!


Why do you use copper in wires?

we use copper in wires because it is a conductor of both heat and electricity


Why do boat builders use copper nails?

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Should i use Plastic or copper for house plumbing?

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