The key difference between copper and nickel is that the copper has a red-orange metallic lustre whereas the nickel is lustrous and silver with a gold tinge.
Both copper and nickel locates in the period 4 of the periodic table of chemical elements. Thus, they are neighbouring elements. However, they have many differences between them including their appearance, chemical and physical properties. Let us discuss some details on the two elements and the differences between them as well.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Copper
3. What is Nickel
4. Side by Side Comparison – Copper vs Nickel in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Copper?
Copper is a chemical element having the chemical symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a d block element. Moreover, it is a metal. It has a red-orange metallic lustre. It is one of few metals which has a natural colour other than grey or silver. This metal is very common for its softness, malleability, ductility and high thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties arise due to its chemical nature; the presence of one s-orbital electron on top of a filled d-electron shells.
Figure 01: Fittings made of Copper
The standard atomic weight of this metal is 63.54. This metal locates in the group 11 and period 4 of the periodic table of chemical elements. The electron configuration is [Ar] 3d10 4s1. In addition to that, this metal falls into the category of transition metals. Therefore, it has one unpaired electron in its outermost orbital. Apart from that, this metal is in a solid state at standard temperature and pressure. The melting point and boiling points are 084.62 °C and 2562 °C respectively. Moreover, the most common oxidation state of this metal is +2. But there are some other oxidation states as well; −2, +1, +3 and +4.
Copper does not react with water, yet, it reacts with oxygen in the air to form a copper oxide layer. which appears in brown-black colour. This layer can prevent the metal from rusting. Moreover, this metal tarnishes when exposed to sulfur-containing compounds. The major uses of this metal include in producing electrical wires, roofing, plumbing, industrial machinery, etc. More importantly, copper, most of the times is used as the pure metal rather than in alloy forms.
What is Nickel?
Nickel is a chemical element having the chemical symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal. And it has a slight golden tinge. It is in the d block of the periodic table. More importantly, this metal is hard and ductile.
Figure 02: Coins made of pure Nickel
The standard atomic weight is 58.69. it locates in the group 10 and period 4 of the periodic table of elements. It falls under the category of transition metals. The electron configuration is 3d8 4s2. It has all its electron paired with each other. Moreover, it exists in the solid state at standard temperature and pressure. The melting point and boiling points are 1455 °C and 2730 °C respectively. It shows the +2 oxidation state as the common oxidations state. Other oxidation states are +4, +3, -1 and -2. The uses of nickel are in the production of stainless steel, nonferrous alloys, in electroplating, in foundries and there are other uses as well, i.e. in batteries.
What is the Difference Between Copper and Nickel?
Copper is a chemical element having the chemical symbol Cu, and atomic number 29 and the standard atomic weight is 63.54. It has a red-orange metallic lustre. Nickel, on the other hand, is a chemical element having the chemical symbol Ni and atomic number 28, and the standard atomic weight is 58.69. It is lustrous and silver with a gold tinge. This is the key difference between copper and nickel. Moreover, the melting point and boiling points of copper are 084.62 °C and 2562 °C respectively. Thus, the major uses of copper include producing electrical wires, roofing, plumbing, industrial machinery, etc. Especially, copper, most of the times is used as the pure metal rather than in alloy forms. Whereas, the melting point and boiling points of nickel are 1455 °C and 2730 °C respectively. And, its uses are in the production of stainless steel, and other alloys.
The below infographic presents more details on the difference between copper and nickel in tabular form.
Summary – Copper vs Nickel
Copper and nickel are important transition metals that we use in many industries. The difference between copper and nickel is that the copper has a red-orange metallic lustre whereas the nickel is lustrous and silver with a gold tinge.