what type of reaction is copper in a penny
The reaction that occurs is a redox reaction. The Copper metal (Cu 0)on the copper pennies is oxidized in concentrated nitric acid to produce Cu 2 + ions. Copper is easily oxidized to Cu 2 +, which is blue in aqueous solutions (water) so you should see the solution turn blue as the copper penny reacts.he Copper metal (Cu 0)on the copper pennies is oxidized in concentrated nitric acid to produce Cu 2 + ions. Copper is easily oxidized to Cu 2 +, which is blue in aqueous solutions (water) so you should see the solution turn blue as the copper penny reacts.