Chapter U1.26, Problem 8E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason due to which copper is used as wire but not copper chloride.

Concept introduction: The physical properties of any substance represent its nature. There are different types of matter on the basis of physical properties.

Answer to Problem 8E

In periodic table, different types of elements are present like metals, non-metals, and metalloids.

Metals have free electrons to conduct electricity.

Explanation of Solution

The atomic number of Copper is 29 thus, the electronic configuration is as follows:

$\text{Cu}\left(29\right)–1s^2,2s^2,2p^6,3s^2,3p^6,4s^1,3d^{10}$

Copper element has one free unpaired electron in the valence shell. Due to this free electron copper shows metallic nature or show conductivity. In case of copper chloride, it’s an ionic compound and the free electron of copper is transfer to chlorine atom resulting formation of an ionic compound. The chemical formula of compound formed is CuCl. Here, Cu has + 1 charge as it donates its 1 electron to Cl which gets -1 charge.

The electronic configuration of Cu + will be:

${\text{Cu}}^{+}–1s^2,2s^2,2p^6,3s^2,3p^6,3d^{10}$

Since, there is no free electron available for the movement to show conductivity, copper chloride do not conduct electricity and cannot be used to make wires.