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What's in 7up or Mountain Dew to dissolve a paper clip?

I am doing a science project also.... it is which soda will dissolve the paper clip the first? 7up or mountain dew. My friend is doing almost the same thing except hers is coke and Pepsi on a penny. I found out that it takes forever for coke to dissolve a penny....but I'm not sure is this true... so what I'm also trying to find out is where I can find some info on all of this? If anyone knows any sites, or has any personal knowledge that would be of great help.

Thanks!

Jane D
- Phoenix, Arizona, USA
2002

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2002

You apparently skipped step 1, actually putting paper clips in 7-Up and Mountain Dew and observing the results. Please get back to us when you have completed this first step.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Hi Jane,

Check the soda can! You will be amazed at how much chemical information is listed on the outside of the can. When you can see the chemical differences between the various sodas, you should have an idea of why they behave differently in the presence of different metals.

George Gorecki
- Naperville, Illinois
2002

Hi, what actually causes the paperclip to dissolve is the carbonic acid they place in the coke products aka "carbonated water" ..this is just a fancy name so people won't worry about the acid. The paperclip dissolves because the acid ionizes the paperclip and leaving a precipitate. Carbonic acid is responsible for the decay and eating away at the calcium of your teeth and stomach ulcers.

Brandon C
- Dallas, Texas, United States
2003

Actually, its the phosphoric acid that dissolves it, but the carbonated water doesn't help

Phil Smitch
- Dallas, Texas
2006

If the acidity of soda can dissolve copper and zinc, then could it dissolve less reactive metals like nickel and Iron?

Luis C
Student - Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
2007

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Can't you just put a nickel and an iron nail in the soda and find out, Luis? I think that's what you are supposed to do rather than asking someone else to do it for you and report back to you. But soda does not dissolve copper to my knowledge.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007