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Corrosion Measurement

Hello, I am a 10th grader from WV in need of some assistance. I am trying to start a science experiment to see how corrosive soda, particularly Coke, can be on a particular metal. However, I have not been able to find a method of measurement that I am capable of accomplishing without much electrical equipment and a few years of college chemistry. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to accurately measure corrosion on a metal?

Rebekah J
Student - Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, USA
2007

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One classic approach to corrosion is to measure weight loss. This requires no college chemistry. Weigh the specimen, expose it to the environment, re-weigh it, calculate weight loss per (time, surface area, any other derivative).

The data you get will have their limitations. Was the corrosion uniform over time? You only know the final answer. And the weighing has to be very finely done unless you have a long time to wait for the corrosion. Typically you want a balance with a resolution of milligrams or even better.

Paul Tibbals, P.E.
gas & electric
San Ramon, California, USA
(My opinions are not related to nor a statement of my employer's)
2007