Copper (cu) is often used for electrical wiring and cooking pans. however, iron (fe) is much more common on earth than copper. why might copper be used instead of iron, if iron is easier to obtain?

explanation:

the reduction potential of iron is more negative as compared to copper. therefore, iron easily loses an electron and gets oxidized. hence, when iron (fe) comes in contact with oxygen present in air then a layer of oxide gets deposited on its surface resulting in the formation of iron oxide. as a result, iron gets corroded easily. thus, it cannot be used for electrical wiring and cooking pans.

whereas copper easily does not form a layer of copper oxide on its surface. therefore, it does not get corroded easily. as a result, it can be used for electrical wiring and cooking pans.

also, thermal conductivity of copper is more as compared to iron. thus, copper acts as a good conductor of heat and electricity.