What can quickly reform on a clean copper surface?

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when copper reacts with oxygen in the presence of moisture or other compounds in the environment. When copper is exposed to air, it can form a layer of copper oxide, which is a form of oxidation. This process can happen rapidly, particularly on clean surfaces, as there are fewer contaminants to impede the reaction.

The formation of this oxide layer acts as a protective barrier, often referred to as patina, which can help to prevent further deterioration of the copper beneath it. This is why oxidation can quickly reform on a clean copper surface; the reaction with oxygen is swift and efficient as soon as the conditions are right.

In contrast, corrosion typically takes longer to develop and refers to the degradation of materials due to chemical reactions with their environment, often involving complex processes that go beyond mere oxidation. Scale refers to mineral build-up, and debris would imply foreign particles or contaminants rather than a chemical process, making those options less relevant in the context of what can reform rapidly on a clean copper surface.