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How and Why does Copper Oxidize

I am working on my science project for school. I want to show how and why copper oxidizes, and what happens to copper when exposed to different solutions. For my experiment, I have chosen to work with vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , vegetable oil, and Del Taco hot sauce (at the request of my teacher.)

Can you help with this as I cannot seem to find any good references on the web?

Ashley C [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Glendora, California, USA
2001

DEAR ASHLEY,

I AM ALSO DOING A SCIENCE PROJECT ABOUT THE SAME TOPIC. I DON'T KNOW ANY GOOD WEB SITES BUT THERE IS ONE THING THAT IS SURE TO TURN YOUR COPPER GREEN . . . . . BLEACH REGULAR LIQUID LAUNDRY BLEACH ⇦ bleach/sodium hypochlorite in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . I HOPE THIS CAN HELP AND GOOD LUCK!

SINCERELY,

Tony H [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Casper, Wyoming
2002

Typesetter's note: present company (website) excepted:-0

A good website is www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci. You have to search but it has good information.

Billie Kase
- NYC, New York, USA
2006

When copper turns green it is because it is exposed to oxygen and possibly water.

John Markus Palacios
- Long Beach, California
2007

I'm doing a experiment like that too I'll try bleach. So thanks.

JT Hearn
- Deland, Florida, USA
October 15, 2008