Page 71 - The Periodic Table Book
P. 71

Uses                                                        ELECTROPLATING


                                     Copper wire                       A thin layer of copper can be added to metal,
                                                                       usually iron, to stop it from corroding easily.
                                                                       This process is called electroplating.


                                                                                                  Electrons flow from
                                                                                                  the positive to the
                 Computer
                                                         Giant electromagnet
                                                                                                  negative electrode.
               motherboard
                                                                          This positive
                                                                       electrode is made                             Transition Metals
                    Copper coating on steel                              of  copper and
                       slows down corrosion.                            slowly dissolves          This electrode
                                                                          in the liquid.
                                                                                                  is made of  iron.
                      Electroplated nails                              contains dissolved         a protective coating
                                                                                                  Copper ions form
                                                                          This solution
                                                                                                  over the metal.
                                                                          copper ions.
                                           Massive crane-mounted
                                                                             gives it a metallic shine.
                                            electromagnets contain        A copper glaze on the vase
                                           huge coils of  copper wire.
                                                                         Brass trumpet






                                               The brass tube contains
                                               air that vibrates to produce
                                                     musical sounds.

                                                     This tough alloy            Bronze helmet  Copper-glazed vase
                                                      does not weaken
                                                          over time.
                                           Statue of Liberty,
                                        New York City, USA






                                                            A verdigris
                                                            layer protects
                                                            pure copper
                                                            from additional
                                                            weathering.


                                                            Pure copper
                                                                                           Copper electrical wires
                                                         can be stretched to
                                                           form long wires.




           be magnetic as and when they are needed. They       Statue of Liberty. Copper is often mixed with
           can be much more powerful than normal magnets       other metals to produce tougher alloys. Bronze, a
           and can lift heavy objects. Pure copper does not    copper-tin alloy, is more durable than pure copper
           rust, but it reacts with air over time to form a layer  and has been used since ancient times. Brass, a
           of grey-green copper carbonate called verdigris.    copper-zinc alloy, is used in musical instruments,
           This can be seen on copper statues, such as the     such as trumpets.                                      69





   068-069_Copper.indd   69                                                                                      12/12/16   5:38 pm
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