Heavy-ion nuclear reaction / Copper / Intermediate energy / Formation cross section / Recoil range / MultitracerAbstract Reaction residues in the interaction of copper with intermediateenergy 14 N, 15 N and 40 Ar ions (26 to 135 MeV/u) have been studied using non-destructive y-ray spectrometry. Formation cross-sections and average forward ranges were measured for 58 products. The data were used to obtain the mass yield distribution and the longitudinal momentum transfer. The results are compared with those from the studies reported on the interaction of copper with heavy projectiles, and discussed in terms of the transition of the reaction mechanism from low energy to relativistic energy.