Element 29 · Transition metal
Copper (Cu) — Element 29
Latin cuprum — Cyprus
Copper (Cu) is a transition metal in Period 4, Group 11 of the periodic table with atomic number 29, standard atomic weight 63.546 u, and ground-state electron configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹. At standard temperature and pressure it is classified as a solid with 11 valence electrons and common oxidation states +1, +2.
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What are the atomic properties and physical constants of Copper?
Reference constants compiled from IUPAC standard atomic weights, the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, and the CRC Handbook.
- Atomic number (Z)
- 29
- Standard atomic mass
- 63.546 u
- Chemical family
- Transition metal
- Ground-state configuration
- [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 1
- Valence electrons
- 11
- Common ion charges / oxidation states
- +1, +2
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Pauling electronegativity
- 1.90 Pauling
- First ionization energy
- 745 kJ/mol
- Atomic radius
- 145 pm
- Melting point
- 1,085 °C
- Boiling point
- 2,562 °C
- Discovery year
- Ancient
- Table coordinate
- Period 4, Group 11
- Radioactivity
- Has stable isotope(s)
How are electrons arranged across Copper’s shells?
A neutral Copper atom contains 29 electrons distributed across 4 occupied principal energy shells ([Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹). The table below compares Copper’s shell occupancy against each shell’s theoretical 2n² capacity.
| Principal Shell (n) | Spectroscopic Letter | Electrons in Cu | Max Shell Capacity (2n²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n = 1 | K | 2 e⁻ | 2 e⁻ |
| n = 2 | L | 8 e⁻ | 8 e⁻ |
| n = 3 | M | 18 e⁻ | 18 e⁻ |
| n = 4 | N | 1 e⁻ | 32 e⁻ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Copper (Cu)
What is the atomic mass and atomic number of Copper (Cu)?
Copper (Cu) has atomic number Z = 29 (29 protons in its nucleus) and an IUPAC standard atomic weight of 63.546 u. It sits in Period 4, Group 11 and is classified as a transition metal.
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Copper?
The neutral ground-state electron configuration of Copper (Z = 29) is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹. Across its 4 occupied principal shells (n = 1 to n = 4), the electrons per shell are 2, 8, 18, 1, with 11 valence electrons participating in bonding.
What are the common ion charges and electronegativity of Copper?
Copper commonly forms +1, +2 oxidation states or ion charges in compounds. Its Pauling electronegativity is 1.90 and its first ionization energy is 745 kJ/mol.
When was Copper discovered and what is it used for?
Copper was discovered in Ancient (Latin cuprum — Cyprus). Wiring, plumbing, electronics
How does Copper compare to neighboring elements?
Other transition metal elements: