Question

lemon is used for restoring the shine of tarnished copper vessels why??

Answer 1

Copper vessels are tarnished due to the layer of oxide formed on the surface.

The oxides are basic in nature while, lemon exhibits acidic nature.

When we rub it on the surface of tarnished vessel, basic copper oxide reacts with acidic lemon to form salt, which is then washed away while cleaning the vessel with water.

Answer 2

HEY!!

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✴Copper reacts with moist carbon dioxide in air to form copper carbonate and as a result, copper vessel loses its shiny brown surface forming a green layer of copper carbonate.

✴The citric acid present in the lemon or tamarind neutralises the basis copper carbonate and dissolves the layer.

✴That is why, tarnished copper vessels are cleaned with lemon or tamarind juice to give the surface of the copper vessel its characteristic lustre.