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The aluminium and copper oxide equation
When some metals like aluminum are exposed to oxygen, they will react to form a protective layer of copper oxide. This layer helps to prevent moisture and other gases from forming on the surface of the metal. This is important because it makes the metal more durable and can help to keep a product from discolouring.
Why does this reaction happen?
When the aluminium atoms are reacted with the copper ions they lose two electrons. This is a very common redox (oxidation - reduction) reaction, which occurs because the aluminium is a much stronger metal than copper in the electrochemical series of metals and will force copper out of its bond.
Why is the reaction between aluminium and copper so violent?
When aluminium is reacted with copper ions it is very vigorous and the reaction mixture gets very hot. The blue color from the Cu(II) ions fades, the aluminium disintegrates and a reddish brown solid forms. Gas bubbles are also formed and the solution turns light green.
The reaction between aluminium and copper is very interesting because it shows how competition between different metals can be a key feature in chemistry. It is also a good example of stoichiometric coefficients in a chemical equation that balance mass conservation and constant proportions.
