What Is Copper Used For? Applications of Copper

What Is Copper?

Copper is a reddish brown metal that is found in abundance all around the world, while the top three producers are Chile, Peru, and China. Historically, copper was the first metal to be worked by human hands. When we discovered that it could be hardened with tin to make bronze around 3000 BC, the Bronze Age was ushered in, changing the course of humanity.

Applications of Copper

Copper in Infrastructure

Copper is usually used as the preferred metal for the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity since it is far less expensive than precious metals of comparable electrical conductivity. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the transfer of data in the telecommunications sector, particularly in regard to internet connectivity and cable wire.

Copper in Industries

High-efficiency generators, transformers, and motors are all dependent on copper. Turbine blades, bearings, and gears are also made with it, and vats, pressure vessels, and heat exchanger components contain it. Due to its corrosion resistance, copper is also crucial to the operation of oil platforms, propellers, and coastal power plants exposed to the sea.

Copper in Equipment

Copper is frequently used in the manufacture of different equipment like cables, connections, and switches for electronic devices. It is also used in heat exchangers for cooling devices like air conditioners and refrigerators and microprocessors for smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices.

Copper in Transportation

Most vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, trains, and aircraft, make use of copper. In the form of motors, wiring, brakes, connectors, and radiators, an average automobile utilizes roughly 22.5 kg (nearly 50 lbs) of copper. Copper is also used throughout more recent technological advancements, including on-board computers, satellite tracking systems, and safety equipment.