Guides
Iron vs Copper — Properties and Uses Compared
Iron and copper are both common transition metals, each with its own strengths. Iron is the most-used metal (as steel); copper is prized for excellent electrical and thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Here is a comparison by data and by performance.
Data comparison
| Property | Iron Fe | Copper Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Atomic number | 26 | 29 |
| Relative atomic mass | 55.845 | 63.546 |
| Configuration | [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s² | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.83 | 1.90 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.874 | 8.96 |
| Melting point | 1811 K (1538 °C) | 1357.8 K (1084.6 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3134 K | 2835 K |
Performance differences
- Reactivity: iron is more reactive than copper (Fe is above Cu in the activity series), so iron displaces copper: Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu.
- Magnetism: iron is ferromagnetic; copper is not.
- Corrosion: iron rusts readily (iron oxide); copper forms a green patina (basic copper carbonate) but resists corrosion better.
- Conductivity: copper far outperforms iron, hence its use in wiring; iron (steel) is strong and used structurally.
Common valences and uses
Iron is commonly +2 and +3; copper is commonly +1 and +2. Iron is mainly used in steel structures and alloys; copper in cables, pipes, electronics and alloys (brass/bronze). For more numeric comparisons see the comparison tool.