Question

The Statue of Liberty is made out of copper and was once shiny and copper-colored. Over the years, the copper has gone through a process called oxidation, where it has changed into a new material.

What has occurred?

an endothermic reaction
an energy formation
a chemical reaction
a precipitate formation

Answer 1

The process you are describing, where copper undergoes oxidation and changes its appearance and composition, is known as a **chemical reaction**. Specifically, the copper reacts with elements in the environment, such as oxygen and sulfur, resulting in the formation of copper oxides and other compounds that give the statue its green patina.