Final answer:
The burning of a candle and the green patina on a copper statue are both related to oxidation reactions caused by the interaction with oxygen in the air.
Step-by-step explanation:
The burning of a candle and the green patina on a copper statue have in common the process of oxidation. When a candle burns, the wax undergoes combustion and reacts with oxygen in the air to produce heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Similarly, the green patina on a copper statue, like the Statue of Liberty, is formed through the oxidation of copper metal in the environment.
The oxidation-reduction reactions of copper metal occur in several steps. The copper metal is first oxidized to copper(I) oxide, which is red, and then further oxidized to copper(II) oxide, which is black. Finally, the copper(II) oxide reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide and water to form a mixture of copper carbonate compounds that give the statue its green color. Thus, both the burning of a candle and the formation of green patina on a copper statue involve oxidation reactions resulting from the interaction of the substances with oxygen in the air.