Page 15 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

The reactivity of copper
Metals can be arranged in a list, with the most reactive at the top and the least reactive at the bottom. Many metals are subject to corrosion when placed in damp
air or damp soil. The most vulnerable of all are the most reactive elements.
Copper comes near the bottom of the reactivity series because it is only slightly reactive. This low reactivity means that copper objects can be placed out in exposed locations without fear that they will
corrosion: the slow decay of a substance resulting from contact with gases and liquids in the environment. The term is often applied to metals.
corrode away.
REACTIVITY SERIES
Element
Reactivity
potassium sodium calcium magnesium aluminium manganese chromium zinc
iron cadmium tin
lead copper mercury silver gold platinum
most reactive
least reactive
 Copper is a
good conductor
of heat. This makes
for efficient use of energy
and precise control of the
cooking temperature when copper is used for cooking implements such as this jam-making pan.
 Copper is widely used for decorative metalware, either as pure copper or as an alloy such as brass.
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 Copper is used for water- carrying pipework because water will not corrode it.