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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Reactions between acids and metals

2006

Hello, I am an 8th grade student doing a science fair. The problem I am testing is, "What are the reactions of different acids on different metals. I need to know what acids have the best reaction between different metals. The metals that I am using are:
-Aluminum
-Carbon
-Copper
-Iron
-Lead
-Zinc
If you could list some acids that would have the best effect on these metals that would be great. Thanks.

Daniel F.
student - Colts Neck, New Jersey, USA

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What is the point, the hypothesis, or the extensible lesson to be learned, Daniel? Simply listing metals and the acids that will react with them can be useful (if you have a reason) or it can be completely pointless. I would pick one acid, probably dilute hydrochloric acid, and determine which of those metals it will react with. You are a little young to be working with acids, which are dangerous, but with the help of the science teacher in providing or mixing a dilute acid you may be okay. Children should not be touching hydrofluoric acid, which is what is needed for a reaction with the lead; and probably not nitric acid either, which is needed to dissolve the copper.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

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"Best" is a relative term when you're dunking metals in an acid environment. Do you want to dissolve the metal, polish it, convert its surface to a compound, or color it? Sounds like a good project for trying several acids with several metals and putting the results into a report. Ted is right, Hydroflouric acid is something nobody should work with unless they have prior training and the right equipment.

Jeff Watson
- Pearland, Texas
2006

TED AND THE OTHER GUY IS RIGHT MAYBE YOU SHOULD DO ANOTHER PROJECT. YOU CAN TO SOMETHING EASY LIKE USING FRUIT OR SODA ACIDS WHICH ARE FUN TO WORK WITH AND DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT HURTING YOU.

Akeem H.
- Bermuda
2006