Lesson 1: Copper Reactions

Copper is a metal that is used in many materials, including pennies and wires. Copper is also a reactive metal that can change colors when oxidized. What solutions can oxidize copper?

Doing the science

1. Start the "Bacteria Miner" simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
2. Click on the "Metal Test" button.
3. Click and drag a small copper nugget above the 0.5 m ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) beaker.
4. Click and drag a large copper nugget above the water (H₂O) beaker.
5. Click on the "Run" button.
6. Record the color of the solution and the copper nugget in Table 1 below.
7. Repeat steps 5–6 for each of the 7 days.
8. Click on the "Reset" button.
9. Repeat steps 3–4 except with a large copper nugget above the 0.5 m ferric oxide beaker (Fe₂O₃) and a small copper nugget above the water beaker (H₂O).
10. Repeat steps 5–7 and record in Table 2 below.