Final answer:
The discoloration of the Statue of Liberty is due to a chemical property involving corrosion and oxidation-reduction reactions of copper, leading to the formation of a blue-green protective patina.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discoloration of the Statue of Liberty due to its reaction with acids in the air is a result of a chemical property known as corrosion. Initially, the statue's copper exterior was brown, but over time it has undergone oxidation-reduction reactions that changed its appearance. The copper reacted with oxygen to form copper(I) oxide, which is red, and further reacted to form copper(II) oxide, which is black. This process continued until a blue-green patina formed, consisting of various copper compounds including Cu₂O.
Chemistry in Everyday Life
The formation of this patina is an example of how chemical reactions are an integral part of our everyday lives. Not only does this patina give the Statue of Liberty its distinctive color, but it also serves as a protective layer against further corrosion, a process known as passivation.