Copper (Cu) is often used for electrical wiring and cooking pans. However, iron (Fe) is much more common on Earth than copper. Why might copper be used instead of iron, if iron is easier to obtain?

Question

Diana Waller

Chemistry

3 February, 21:08

Copper (Cu) is often used for electrical wiring and cooking pans. However, iron (Fe) is much more common on Earth than copper. Why might copper be used instead of iron, if iron is easier to obtain?

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Answers (2)

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Javon · Answer 1

Fe has fewer valence electrons than Cu. Fe has a lower conductivity than Cu. The lower conductivity of Fe makes it less useful for wiring and cookware. Fe is less malleable and ductile than Cu. The lower malleability and ductility of Fe make it less easy to form into wires or sheets. Copper is used in electrical applications and in cooking pans than iron because it is much more easy to handle and much softer than iron. Also, it will have low costs in the manufacture of such products using copper than other metals.

Mercedes Ryan · Answer 2

Copper is used in electrical applications and in cooking pans than iron because it is much more easy to handle and much softer than iron. Also, it will have low costs in the manufacture of such products using copper than other metals.