Copper is a good conductor when pure, is easily bent and doesn't corrode. This is a winning combination which makes it ideal for -
- Water pipes and gas pipes, because it can be easily bent into shape (it's malleable) by hand, without fracturing.
- Electrical wiring, because it can be easily bent around corners and conducts very well.
- It forms useful non-corroding alloys such as brass and bronze.
The drawbacks of copper are its price and lack of strength.