Difference Between Copper 1 and Copper 2

Key Difference – Copper 1 vs Copper 2
 

The key difference between copper 1 and copper 2 is that copper 1 is formed by the loss of one electron from a copper atom whereas copper 2 is formed by the loss of two electrons from a copper atom.

Copper is a transition element that can be found in the d block of the periodic table of elements. It is found in two stable oxidation states: copper (I) and copper (II); these are also known as copper 1 and copper 2 respectively.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Copper 1 
3. What is Copper 2
4. Side by Side Comparison – Copper 1 vs Copper 2 in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is Copper 1?

Copper 1 is the +1 oxidation state of copper. It is formed by the loss of one electron from a copper atom; thus, they are cations. This is because when one electron is lost from an atom, the positive charge of a proton remains unbalanced by the electrons present in that atom. Hence, the atom gets a +1 electrical charge. Copper 1 is denoted by either Cu⁺¹ or copper (I). This cation is known as cuprous ion. The electronic configuration of copper 1 is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s⁰. Copper 1 is a monovalent cation because it can bind to a single -1 anion.

Figure 01: Copper (I) Oxide

However, when it comes to industrial applications, the term copper #1 is used to name a certain commercial grade of copper metal. Copper #1 is unalloyed copper metal with an uncoated surface. It is used to produce non-insulated copper wires with 1/6” thickness.

What is Copper 2?

Copper 2 is the +2 oxidation state of copper. It is formed by the loss of two electrons from a copper atom. This makes a copper +2 cation. It is denoted by either Cu²⁺ or copper (II). Since the atom loses two electrons, it gets a +2 electrical charge. The electron configuration of copper 2 is [Ar] 3d⁹ 4s⁰. Copper 2 is a divalent cation. It is also known as cupric ion.

Figure 02: Copper (II) Sulfate is a Compound Containing Copper (II) Oxidation State

Copper #2 is a commercial grade name given for certain copper metal forms. Copper #2 has no clean surface. The copper #2 grade available in market is finished with tin or lacquer. The thickness of the wires formed from this copper metal is less than 1/6”. This grade of copper has oxidized or coated surfaces.

What is the Difference Between Copper 1 and Copper 2?

Summary – Copper 1 vs Copper 2

Copper is a d block element that can form two stable cations by the removal of outermost electrons. The cations are named as cuprous ion (copper 1) and cupric ion (copper 2). The key difference between copper 1 and copper 2 is that copper 1 is formed by the loss of one electron from a copper atom whereas copper 2 is formed by the loss of two electrons from a copper atom.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cuprous oxide or copper (I) oxide” By Mauro Cateb – Own work, (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Copper(II)sulfate 01” By H. Zell – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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