COPPER
Copper and some of its alloys have been used by humanity since
the Bronze Age. One of the first metals known to humans, free copper
was probably mined in the Tigris-Euphrates valley as long ago as
the 5th cent. B.C. Cyprus, from which the metal's name originally
comes, was the primary source of copper in the ancient world.It
is malleable, ductile, and an extremely good conductor of both heat
and electricity.
It is softer than iron but harder than zinc and can be polished
to a bright finish.The chief commercial use of copper is based on
its electrical conductivity (second only to that of silver); about
half the total annual output of copper is employed in the manufacture
of electrical apparatus and wire.
Copper is also used extensively as roofing, in making copper utensils,
and for coins and metalwork. Copper tubing is used in plumbing,
and, because of its high heat conductivity, in heat-exchanging devices
such as refrigerator and air-conditioner coils.
Shims can be produced in Copper for particular applications requiring
non-ferrous or softer metal.
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