You might not see it. But copper is closer than you think. 

It’s probably in your house, your family’s computer, and your microwave! It’s in most things that run on electricity. 

Why? Copper is a conductor of electricity. That means that it easily carries an electrical current.

How does this work? First, remember that atoms are the building blocks of everything in the universe. (That includes you, your pet, water, air . . . ) Each atom is made of tiny particles—protons, neutrons, and electrons. Electricity is the movement of electrons between atoms.

Good conductors—like copper—have free electrons that can move easily. That means that an electrical current also can move through easily.

Other metals conduct electricity too. Silver and gold are both great conductors. But copper is less costly and easy to turn into wiring. Aluminum is used in electrical wiring too. But it takes much energy to turn the raw material into wires or other electrical products.

An insulator is the opposite of a conductor. Insulators have few free electrons or none at all. That means they can’t conduct electricity. Wood, plastic, and air are insulators.

Let’s look at a cell phone. A battery powers the phone. That battery stores energy. It releases that energy as electricity. There’s also a circuit board inside the phone. The metal pieces on the circuit board route the battery power to different parts of the phone. What metal is commonly used on those boards? That’s right—copper.

Copper is a gift from God. Sinful humans often misuse God’s gifts. Some people made idols from God’s metals. Read Psalm 135:15. We’re to use God’s gifts for our good and His glory. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. — James 1:17