Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Copper

Atomic number 29 means that every Copper nucleus contains 29 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Copper.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 29 means that every Copper nucleus contains 29 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Copper.

Copper (Cu) is chemical element 29. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in electrical wiring, plumbing and electronics.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 29 means that every Copper nucleus contains 29 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Copper.

Keep exploring

→ Copper · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

29CuCopper
Copper · Cu · Z = 29

Copper (Cu) is chemical element 29. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Copper (Cu) is chemical element 29. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in electrical wiring, plumbing and electronics.

What its position in the table tells us

Copper sits in period 4, group 11 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.