Q. Which among the following was the first metal used by humans?
Answer:
Copper
Notes: Copper is one of those metals that man started using very early. Copper was the first metal discovered by man in 9000 BCE. The other metals used in prehistoric times were gold, silver, tin, lead, and iron. After tin was discovered, people realized that the brittle tin could be used to give strength to the tools made up of relatively soft copper and hence the bronze. Gold was always a scarce metal, and though its remains in jewellery are found, it cannot be called the first metal known to man.
Copper is chemically referred to as Cuprum. Its chemical symbol is Cu. It is a reddish-brown metal by color. Copper has an atomic weight of 63.546. Its atomic number is 29. Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Uses of Copper in Ancient Times
- Man used copper to make tools, implements, and weapons
- 5,000-6,000 years ago the Mesopotamians also used copper. They displayed skill in harnessing and extracting the metal. They used copper to make ornaments and decorative items
- Among the Egyptians, copper was a sacred metal. They believed that it gave magical powers to persons who wore it
- Ancient civilizations also used copper for medical purposes Egyptians used copper to heal wounds and sterilize water. Copper eased pain caused by headaches
- Among the Indians, copper was part of the surgical instruments used by doctors