(a) Based on standard reduction potentials, would you expect copper metal to oxidize under standard conditions in the presence of oxygen and hydrogen ions? (b) When the Statue of Liberty was refurbished, Teflon spacers were placed between the iron skeleton and the copper metal on the surface of the statue. What role do these spacers play?

First, we need to find the standard reduction potentials for the relevant half-reactions: 1. \(Cu^{2+}(aq) + 2e^- \rightarrow Cu(s)\) has a standard reduction potential Eº = +0.34 V. 2. \(O_2(g) + 4H^+(aq) + 4e^- \rightarrow 2H_2O(l)\) has a standard reduction potential Eº = +1.23 V. To determine whether copper will oxidize in the presence of oxygen and hydrogen ions under standard conditions, we must determine whether a net spontaneous redox reaction can occur between them. To do this, we need to first write the oxidation half-reaction for copper. By reversing the first half-reaction, we get: \(Cu(s) \rightarrow Cu^{2+}(aq) + 2e^-\), which has a standard reduction potential of -0.34 V (enthalpy changes its sign since the reaction is reversed). Now, we can combine the two half-reactions (copper's oxidation half-reaction and oxygen's reduction half-reaction): \(Cu(s) + 1/2 O_2(g) + 2H^+(aq) \rightarrow Cu^{2+}(aq) + H_2O(l)\) Next, we'll need to calculate the overall standard reduction potential (Eº) for the net redox reaction using the individual standard reduction potentials: Eº(net) = Eº(reduction) + Eº(oxidation) Eº(net) = (+1.23 V) + (-0.34 V) = +0.89 V Since Eº(net) is positive, the reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions. Therefore, copper metal will oxidize in the presence of oxygen and hydrogen ions under standard conditions.

The Teflon spacers placed between the iron skeleton and the copper surface of the Statue of Liberty play a crucial role in preventing galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other and an electrolyte, forming a galvanic cell. The less noble metal will act as an anode and corrode, while the nobler metal will act as a cathode and remain unchanged. In this case, iron is the less noble metal and would have been more prone to corrosion if it was in direct contact with the copper surface. The Teflon spacers act as an insulator, preventing the electrical contact between the two metals. By doing so, they interrupt the electrical path for the galvanic cell to form, thus preventing the galvanic corrosion from taking place. This helps to maintain the structural integrity of the Statue of Liberty by preventing damage due to corrosion.