Element 29

Copper (Cu)

Transition metal · Period 4 · Group 11 · d-block

Copper (Cu) is element 29 of the periodic table, a transition metal in period 4, group 11 (d-block) with an atomic mass of 63.546 and is a solid at standard conditions.

At a glance

Atomic number
29
Symbol
Cu
Atomic mass
63.546 u
Category
Transition metals
Period
4
Group
11
Block
d-block
Phase at STP
solid

Electron structure

Electron configuration
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s1
Shorthand configuration
[Ar] 3d10 4s1
Electrons per shell
2, 8, 18, 1
Oxidation states
-2, +1, +2, +3, +4

Physical properties

Melting point
1,357.77 K (1,084.62 °C)
Boiling point
2,835 K (2,561.85 °C)
Density
8.96 g/cm³
Phase
solid

Atomic properties

Electronegativity (Pauling)
1.9
Atomic radius
145 pm
Covalent radius
132 pm
Van der Waals radius
140 pm
First ionization energy
746 kJ/mol
Electron affinity
119 kJ/mol

Notable isotopes

Notable isotopes of Copper: mass number, atomic mass, natural abundance, and stability.
IsotopeMassAbundanceStability
Cu-6362.929669.17%Stable

Common uses

  • Electrical wiring
  • Plumbing
  • Coins
  • Cookware

Discovery

Discovered by
Known since antiquity
Country
Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Is copper a metal?
Yes. Copper is a metal, classified as a transition metal on the periodic table.
How many protons does copper have?
Copper has 29 protons. Its atomic number is 29, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of copper.
What group and period is copper in?
Copper is in group 11 and period 4 of the periodic table, in the d-block.
What is the atomic mass of copper?
The atomic mass of copper is 63.546 u (unified atomic mass units).

Keep exploring

Copper's row is on the printable element property sheet, and its tile is on the periodic table wall chart - the same numbers as above, laid out for A4 or A3 paper.