India is one of the countries which have a rich source of metals available in it. Two such metals are steel and copper. Both are metals that are used for various products.
One such product is copper wires which are made by using a mixture Or an alloy of copper and steel. We can find products made out of these two metals very in our day-to-day lives.
Key Takeaways
- Steel is a metal alloy composed primarily of iron and carbon and is used extensively in construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
- Copper is a chemical element that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is commonly used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and coinage.
- Steel is stronger and more durable than copper, while copper is more malleable and has better thermal conductivity.
Steel vs Copper
Steel is a type of metal which can be used for construction purposes. Steel can be made from other metals. More iron is present in steel as compared to carbon. Copper is a type of chemical element. Copper can be found in a pure form. Copper can be used in the making of alloys. Copper can conduct heat and electricity.
Steel is an alloy that is made up of mixing two or more metals for its formation to be used in making different things. There is a presence of iron with an ample amount of carbon which is present in this metal. Initially, it is made up of more than two or more metals.
Copper is a metal which ductile. When this metal is in its purest form, it is malleable, does not have any spark, and is non-magnetic and soft to the touch. Copper is observed to be a constituent used for making many alloys.
There is a high presence of this metal used for making war machines, wires, lumbering machines, etc.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Steel | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | It is an alloy. | This metal has natural existence. |
| Conductivity | This metal has lesser conductivity of heat and electricity. | This metal has a high conductivity of heat and electricity. |
| Feature | This metal is strong and nonmagnetic. | This metal is ductile and malleable. |
| Characteristic | This metal can be turned into any size and shape. | This metal can be turned into thin but really strong wires. |
| Coins | This metal is never used for making coins. | This metal is used widely for making coins in so many countries. |
| Uses | This metal is used for making steel utensils, doors, crockery, etc. | This metal is used for making wires, automobile machines, etc. |
What is Steel?
Steel is an alloy that is made up of mixing two or more metals for its formation to be used in making different things. There is a presence of iron with an ample amount of carbon which is present in this metal.
Initially, it is made up of more than two or more metals. This metal is considered really efficient for construction purposes.
Since there is a presence of iron in steel, it can rust when it comes in contact with dust. Steel is said to be a conductor of electricity. Steel is said to be magnetic, and when this metal is heated, it can be turned into any shape and size at a person’s convenience.
A unique magnetic property is present in steel, making it recyclable.
This kind of metal is observed to be used in making automobile things, steel doors, steel handles, vessels made out of steel, furniture, and crockery.
When this metal is allowed or mixed with chromium, it is essential to be used for surgical implants. Steel can be healthy and carry out fatigue.
What is Copper?
Copper is a metal which ductile. When this metal is in its purest form, it is malleable, does not have any spark, and is non-magnetic and soft to the touch. Copper is observed to be a constituent used for making many alloys.
There is a high presence of this metal used for making war machines, wires, plumbing machines, etc.
This metal occurs naturally and is not need to be made by mixing any two metals. The chemical symbol for copper is Cu. The atomic number of copper is 29. This metal is said to be corrosion-resistant.
This metal can rust in the air, slowly corrode by mixing with air particles and get dark. Once it’s done, it forms a layer of carbon oxide.
Copper has a high conductivity towards heat and electricity. This metal has a feature that makes it possible to convert itself into thin wires used for wiring. Though these wires are thin, they are pretty strong.
When a copper vessel erodes, it results from intoxicant copper, which is not healthy for cooking food.
Main Differences Between Steel and Copper
- Steel is an alloyed metal that is present by mixing two or more metals, and on the other hand, copper is a metal that has natural existence.
- Steel is strong and non-magnetic by nature, and on the other hand, copper is malleable, ductile, and a great conductor of electricity.
- There is more ductility in steel than compared to copper. There is less ductility in copper than compared to steel.
- Steel is used for making steel utensils, doors, crockery, etc.; on the other hand, copper is used for making wires, automobile machines, etc.
- Steel is not used for making any kind of coins; on the other hand, copper is used for making coins in many countries.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921509305007070
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924013615000904
Last Updated : 17 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article managed to present technical information in a way that was both accessible and engaging. Kudos to the writer!
The detailed descriptions of steel and copper helped me finally understand the differences between the two metals. Great writing!
I disagree with the statement that steel can rust. Stainless steel is a common type of steel that doesn’t rust.
The amount of technical information presented here is impressive. It’s clear that a lot of research went into this article.
This article was extremely informative. It was a clear breakdown of the uses and differences between steel and copper.
Impressive amount of information presented here. It was a delightful read filled with valuable insights.
The comparison table was very helpful in understanding the properties of steel and copper. Great job on the detailed explanation.
Considering the various uses of copper and steel, it’s amazing to see how they play crucial roles in different industries.
I learned so much from reading this. It’s fascinating how each metal has unique characteristics that make them ideal for specific uses.
This article provides a thorough understanding of the properties and applications of steel and copper. Well done!