Question

Complete the following reaction:
\[2Cu+{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}+{{O}_{2}}\to \]

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question we have to be aware of the reaction of copper in the presence of water, carbon dioxide and oxygen. Understanding the type of reaction that is taking place in this reaction may give us a better picture of this reaction.

Complete step by step answer:
- Firstly, let's know an overview of copper metal, water , carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Copper is a metal which is soft, malleable and ductile in nature. It is pinkish orange in its pure form. Water is a good solvent and will react with most of the metals except gold, platinum etc. Carbon dioxide exists in its gaseous form in nature under atmospheric temperature and pressure. Oxygen exists in the atmosphere in large proportion, metals react with oxygen and form oxides.
- Chemical equation is the representation of a chemical reaction where the reactants react to give products.
- When copper is exposed to moist air it turns green. Moist air is the combination of water, carbon dioxide and oxygen.
- Copper reacts with carbon dioxide and forms copper carbonate. When copper reacts with oxygen in presence of water and forms copper hydroxide.
So, basically when copper reacts in presence of water, carbon dioxide and oxygen, the copper metal undergoes oxidation and reduction simultaneously and forms copper hydroxide and copper carbonate.
\[2Cu+{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}+{{O}_{2}}\to Cu{{(OH)}_{2}}+CuC{{O}_{3}}\]
Copper Moist air Copper hydroxide Copper carbonate
The reaction in which the oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously is known as disproportion reaction. It is also known as redox reaction.
 Thus, \[2Cu+{{H}_{2}}O+C{{O}_{2}}+{{O}_{2}}\to Cu{{(OH)}_{2}}+CuC{{O}_{3}}\]
is the complete reaction.

Note: Two important points to remember:
-Metals react with carbon dioxide to form metal carbonate.
-Metals react with oxygen and water to form metal hydroxide.
This applies to most of the metals that are reactive. If we remember these two basic reactions may help us to solve this question within no time.