Core & Ext. Metals: Uses
Slide 18 of 39
Uses of Copper
1. The main metal for electrical wiring (because of its ductility and conductivity) and cables (because of its conductivity and resistance to corrosion and weathering).
2. Copper cookware (not common).
3. Gas pipes.
–Being soft and ductile makes it an ideal material for pipes.
4. Water pipes.
–The same reason as 3.
–Also since copper is below hydrogen in the reactivity series, it does not react with water.
–Copper is always used for plumbing in houses.
–Lead was used for plumbing in the past but has been replaced by copper because lead compounds in water are toxic.