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Copper Plating Experiment

 

Hi,

I have a question about a science project I've tried which involves plating a nail with copper. It's very simple: take a glass of vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , drop in 50 pennies and an iron nail (some other materials than iron can work also). The vinegar supposedly breaks down the copper oxide then the copper attaches to the nail. I've tried this and had success with it. It seemed pretty harmless, but I was just wondering if there were any possible harmful effects of doing this. Could getting the vinegar with copper ions in it on my skin/hands be harmful?

Thank You,

James Harlacher
- Brooklyn, New York

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Don't put it on your fish and chips (sorry - French fries) ,it will make them taste horrible. Don't leave your hands in the vinegar or they will smell of vinegar for days afterwards. Seriously, do not allow any chemicals to come into contact with your skin for any prolonged time, except of course soap and water, but I'm sure that would never happen! It is possible that a solution of copper in vinegar could set up some sort of an allergic reaction, but it is most rare; copper is thought by some to be beneficial in relieving rheumatism (see question 12778). Copper is also an essential trace element, so you need it to live.

However, NEVER eat or drink when handling chemicals and NEVER smoke with any chemical. ALWAYS wash your hands after handling any chemical.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK