True or False: Copper sheet does not damage other metals when in contact with them.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Cannot determine
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

False. When copper is in contact with dissimilar metals in the presence of moisture or other electrolytes, galvanic corrosion can occur. The metal that is more anodic (less noble) will corrode faster, while copper tends to be the more cathodic partner and remains protected. In practice, this means copper can cause damage to the other metal in the couple—for example, brass (copper–zinc) exposed to copper can lose zinc and degrade. So the statement that copper sheet does not damage other metals isn’t correct; insulating copper from other metals or coating and sealing joints is important to prevent galvanic corrosion.