BASIC INFORMATION Group 11, Period 4 Symbol: Cu Atomic Number: 29 Electron Configuration: [Ar] 3d10 4s1 Appearance: Reddish-gold metal that is easily worked with wires
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Cu Copper 63.546
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The discovery of copper goes back to the pre-historic times around 9000BC found in Iraq. There are no evidence as to how exactly copper was found, but there are many evidence demonstrating the early usages of it. Copper is versatile back in the old days because its form was easy to shape. Copper was also the first metal of the d-block worked by people as it conducts very well with heat and electricity. In medicine, surgeons take advantage of copper’s excellent conductivity as it conducts electricity to heat, making it selfcauterizing which helps to control bleeding during operations. Moreover, tools make from copper and copper alloys do not produce sparks and often used in potentially explosive areas. Copper and its alloys have inherent hygienic properties which are suitable for variety of sanitary applications. For example, around 2750 BC, Ancient Egyptians used copper tubes to carry water which remains intact with the temple Pyramid of Sahure in Abusir. Overall, the history of copper traces back to the pre-historic times. Although there is no proper evidence how copper was discovered, it is evident that copper is useful in its usage and form.
Copper’s usage in tools http://irishmemorialstones.blogspot.com/2013/05/bronzeage-ireland.html
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Copper Plates http://www.ancientpages.com/2016/10/25/copper-firstmetal-used-ancient-man-10000-years-ago/
EXAMPLE MOLECULE: H2CuO2 Copper(II) Dihydroxide Cupric Hydroxide DESCRIPTION: Copper dihydroxide is a pale blue solid. Some forms of copper(II) dihydroxide are solid as “stabilized” copper dihydroxide, quite likely a mixture of copper(II) carbonate and dihydroxide. These are often green in color. Copper dihydroxide acts as a weak base in aqueous solution
PROPERTIES: • light blue color • used to make rayon, battery electrodes, fungicides, insecticides, and other copper salts • used as a dye mordant, pigment, and feed additive
SHAPE: bent
POINT GROUP: C2v
SYMMETRY ELEMENT: E, 1C2, 1 v, 1 v’
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COPPER IN EYESIGHT Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness and is found mostly in Asian population. Although it may seem as if myopia is a normal condition, severe myopia can actually lead to more harmful eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataract, and detached retinas. What causes myopia? This leads into the world of genetics and the role of copper in eye sight. According to a research published in American Journal of Human Genetics, Duke University researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that links copper metabolism and oxygen regulation with the eye tissue. It is found that copper acts as an important element that controls the oxygen levels in eye tissues. Within the eye, there is a SCO2 gene, and if it somehow malfunctions, oxygen level would rise and cause pressure on the tissue. High pressure then leads to blurry visions, and, in severe cases, glaucoma. However, having a sufficient amount of copper can help maintain and balance the oxygen levels and reduce the amount of stress in the eye. Overall, copper plays an important role in the human eyesight. Copper deficiency can harmfully affect a person’s eyesight and increase their risks of myopia, especially those who has the SCO2 gene mutation. For those who identifies with this gene (mostly Asian population) should consider taking copper as their vitamin supplements.
Normal Vision vs. Myopia https://anexamarket.com/what-is-myopia-in-the-eye/
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COPPER IN biology & NUTRITION Copper is an essential element to human bodies because it helps enzymes transfer energy in cells by acting as cofactors. Without cofactors, enzymes may not work. According to World Health Organization, consuming 1-3 mg of copper per day helps to prevent symptoms of deficit; however excess copper is toxic. Moreover, copper is found throughout the body (2mg of copper/ kg of body mass), concentrated in organs such as liver, kidneys, heart and brain with high metabolic activity. Too much or too little copper can affect how our brain functions, impairments have been linked to Alzheimer’s, Menke’s and Wilson’s disease. In cells, copper-containing enzyme is the driving force of the release of energy (ATP) inside mitochondria. Without copper as the vital cofactor, cells will oxidise and be destroyed due to free radicals. Copper deficiency can lead to cancer and heart disease. In liver, copper is either stored, distributed for protein transport of excreted into bile. Copper plays a role in Iron conversion and transportation around the body, which could lead to anemia and tissue iron overload if not enough copper is consumed. In brain and nervous system, Copper is responsible for the production and maintenance of myelin, insulation nerve cells, ensurance of proper transmission of nerve impulses. Copper is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that allow nerve to nerve communications. Lack of copper in diet can lead to degeneration of nervous system. Copper is crucial to wound healing, growth of new blood vessels, and maintenance of effective immune system A well balanced diet helps to reduce the risk of these problems. Consume copperrich foods such as grains, legumes, meats (for liver and kidney), lobsters and dark chocolate. Copper Rich Food http://dailyhealthyfoodtips.com/health-benefits-of-copper/
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Unlike mammals that use iron complexes (in hemoglobin) to transport oxygen around the bodies, some crustaceans like crabs, lobsters and shrimps use copper complexes instead.
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The major copperproducing countries are Chile, Peru and China.
https://www.naturalpedia.com/copper-sourceshealth-benefits-and-uses.html
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All gold contains some level of copper, even 24 karat gold. This is because gold is so soft, it can be molded with the hands and calls for a bit of copper to be added.
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Professional chefs prefer to cook with copper pots and pans, as it delivers uniform cooking and has no heat spots.
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https://www.williamssonoma.com/products/mauviel-copper-5-piececookware-set-2015/
Copper tools will not cause sparks, making them the tools of choice when working around explosives.
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Copper is 100% recyclable and nearly 80% of the copper that has been produced is still in use today.
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Credits PICTURES: Credited using websites within caption, otherwise all pictures were taken using Pinterest or TheNounProject
SOURCES: Basic Info and History http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/29/copper https://copperalliance.org.uk/about-copper/copper-facts/ https://www.webelements.com/copper/history.html CHE124A In Action https://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/category details?table=copytblagents&id=8070&fbclid=IwAR1cl78egtKpNNkRuv_TJbf eHWLx7MRpCogEKbLWXN6DyAs994kBvC2Iq8k https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/30154?fbclid=IwAR1NSUGv8 qkulGYYMGnQ8334eVr3j2puF6ij2uUOKvR3BeoxbPaXspxIzGk#section=Top Copper in Eyesight https://whitneyljhowell.com/tag/role-of-copper-in-eye-sight/ Copper In Biology & Nutrition https://copperalliance.org.uk/knowledge- base/education/educationresources/copper-essential-human-health/ Fun Facts https://www.crescentcitycopper.com/copper-blog/15-fun- facts-aboutcopper
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