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Does copper burn in air?

Published in Chemistry 2 mins read

Copper does not burn in air in the same way that flammable materials like wood or paper do with a visible flame. However, copper does react with oxygen in the air when heated, resulting in oxidation.

Copper Oxidation in Air

When copper is heated in the presence of air (which contains oxygen), it undergoes a chemical reaction called oxidation. This process forms copper oxide, a black solid. The reddish-brown metallic copper will gradually turn black as the surface is converted into copper oxide.

The chemical equation for this reaction is:

2Cu(s) + O2(g) → 2CuO(s)

Where:

  • Cu(s) represents solid copper
  • O2(g) represents gaseous oxygen
  • CuO(s) represents solid copper oxide

Key Points:

  • No Flame: The reaction of copper with oxygen doesn't produce a flame like burning wood.
  • Oxidation: It's a surface oxidation process where copper reacts with oxygen.
  • Color Change: The change in color from reddish-brown to black indicates the formation of copper oxide.
  • Reversible Reaction: The copper oxide can be converted back to copper by heating it with hydrogen.

CuO(s) + H2(g) → Cu(s) + H2O(g)

Conclusion:

While copper doesn't exhibit a traditional "burn" with flames, it does react with oxygen in the air when heated, leading to the formation of copper oxide, a black substance. This process is called oxidation.