Why Does Copper Oxidize?
Mankind has been familiar with copper for thousands of years. This versatile metal is used in a variety of applications, including jewelry, pipes, electrical wiring and cookware. Some of the copper that you see in your household is covered with lacquer and has remained in pristine condition. However, you may have seen some copper turn green over time. The Oxidation Process Many metals change color when exposed to oxygen. This occurs when the metal loses one or more electrons, leading to corrosion. As an example, when iron oxidizes, the result is rust. Why Does Copper Oxidize? There is a difference between iron and copper. While iron needs water in addition to oxygen in order to rust, copper needs just needs oxygen to start the oxidation process. Over time, copper exposed to air develops copper oxide, which is dark brown in color. The next step in copper oxidation doesn’t require water, but it does require some moisture in the air. Eventually, this interaction results in copper carbonat
