Letter 17067

Scientific reaction of hydrochloric acid and copper [Washington]  

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I'd like to explain, to a 6th grade class, what is going on when we rub hydrochloric acid over their copper rubbings. Thank you for your help.

Joan Russell
- Bellevue, WA

I don't know quite what a "copper rubbing" is or what happens to it. In theory, though, hydrochloric acid does not dissolve copper but it does dissolve copper oxides.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

Why does copper oxide dissolve in hydrochloric acid and how

John H.
student - Mt Vernon, Ohio, USA

I want to post a question on a different subject.

 

I want to answer or follow-up on this question publicly (in non-commercial fashion).

 

I am a supporting advertiser and want to reach the inquirer privately.