Copper pipes are widely used in plumbing systems to carry hot and cold water. State and explain four properties of copper that make it suitable for use as water pipes.

Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 9.1 Properties of metals · State and explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Copper is malleable, so it can be bent into shape without breaking, allowing pipes to be fitted around corners.
Copper is resistant to corrosion, so it does not react with water and the pipes do not rust or degrade.
Copper has a high melting point, so it does not melt when carrying hot water.
Copper is a good conductor of heat, so heat is not lost through the pipe walls and the pipes can heat up or cool quickly as needed.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms "malleable", "resistant to corrosion", "high melting point" and "good conductor of heat". Show the link between each property and the practical benefit for plumbing. Keep each point brief and separate with a line break or bullet.

Common mistakes

  • Using vague words such as "strong" instead of "malleable". Forgetting to explain how the property benefits the pipe’s function. Mixing up the order of the points or repeating the same property twice.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Copper is malleable / can be bent into shape without breaking, so pipes can be shaped to fit around corners
  2. Copper does not react with water / is resistant to corrosion, so the pipes do not rust or degrade
  3. Copper has a high melting point, so it does not melt when carrying hot water
  4. Copper is a good conductor of heat / thermal conductor, so heat is not lost through the pipe walls OR pipes heat up/cool quickly as needed

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