On exposure to moist air, copper gains a green coat on its surface due...
Copper metals when exposes to air turns green in colour due to corrosion. When copper vessel is exposed to air, metal reacts with gases and moisture to form a mixture of copper carbonate and copper hydroxide.
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On exposure to moist air, copper gains a green coat on its surface due...
Formation of Green Coating on Copper Surface
When copper is exposed to moist air, it undergoes a chemical reaction with the oxygen and moisture present in the air. This reaction leads to the formation of a green coating on the surface of the copper. This green coating is known as copper carbonate (CuCO3).
Explanation:
1. Copper Oxidation:
- When copper is exposed to air, it undergoes oxidation.
- The oxygen in the air reacts with the copper atoms on the surface and forms copper oxide (CuO).
- This copper oxide layer is initially brownish-red in color.
2. Reaction with Carbon Dioxide:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is present in the air, and it further reacts with the copper oxide layer.
- The copper oxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form copper carbonate (CuCO3).
- The reaction can be represented as follows:
2CuO + CO2 → Cu2O + CO2 → 2CuCO3
3. Formation of Green Coating:
- Copper carbonate is a green-colored compound.
- As the copper oxide reacts with carbon dioxide and forms copper carbonate, a green coating is formed on the surface of the copper.
- This green coating is commonly known as patina and is often seen on old copper roofs, statues, and other copper objects exposed to the atmosphere for a long time.
Conclusion:
On exposure to moist air, copper gains a green coat on its surface due to the formation of copper carbonate (CuCO3). The reaction involves the initial oxidation of copper to copper oxide (CuO), followed by the reaction of copper oxide with carbon dioxide (CO2) to form copper carbonate. The green coating, known as patina, is a characteristic feature of copper exposed to the atmosphere over time.