Copper

Copper is a soft, shiny metal with a pretty orange-brown color. It has been used by people for more than 10,000 years. Copper bends easily and carries electricity very well. That is why it is used in wires inside your walls. You can find copper in coins, pipes, and even in pennies.

Why Copper Is Special

Copper lets electricity flow through it better than almost any other metal. Because of this, it is used in almost everything that runs on power. It also fights germs, so some hospitals put copper on door handles. Copper does not break easily and can last a very long time. Workers can recycle copper and use it again and again.

Copper You Can See

The Statue of Liberty in New York is covered in copper. Over many years, the copper turned a pretty green color from the air and rain. Many old buildings have copper roofs for the same reason. Water pipes in homes are often made of copper. Copper wires even carry power from power plants to your house.

Fun Facts

• The Statue of Liberty has more than 60,000 pounds of copper on it.
• Copper was one of the first metals people ever used.
• Mixing copper and tin makes a harder metal called bronze.

Did You Know?

Pennies made after 1982 are mostly zinc with just a thin coat of copper on the outside.