The first step in the development of a patina is oxidation to form copper (I) oxide (Cu2O), which has a red or pink colour (equation 1), when copper atoms initially react with oxygen molecules in the air. Copper (I) oxide is further oxidized to copper (II) oxide (CuO), which is black in color (equation 2).
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Explanation:
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The first step in the development of a patina is oxidation to form copper (I) oxide (Cu2O), which has a red or pink colour (equation 1), when copper atoms initially react with oxygen molecules in the air. Copper (I) oxide is further oxidized to copper (II) oxide (CuO), which is black in color (equation 2).