Letter 2650

Help on a Science Project

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My 9 year old son is performing his 4th grade science project on the ability of different cleansing agents to "Clean" pennies. We already did the experiment, using water, salt water, rootbeer, ammonia, bleach, vinegar, copper cleaner, lemon juice, and dishwashing liquid. I'm sure you know the results: copper cleaner, lemon juice, ammonia worked best.

Can you give us a little help by describing the chemistry of tarnish and its removal in terms that a 4th grader can understand?

Thank you for your help.

Richard I.
- East Northport, NY

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Ed. note: Please see our F.A.Q. on the subject, Richard -- I think it will explain all, in terms that a 4th-grade, with your help, will be able to understand.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT A PENNY IN BLEACH.

MICHELLE M.
- NY, AMERICA

Usually you end up getting bleach on your fingers or your rubber gloves, Michelle, accidentally drying them on your slacks or the tablecloth, and leaving big white blotches on everything. I don't think kids should use bleach in science experiments.

As for the effect of the bleach on the penny, what did you observe or think you observed? We'll be happy to comment on your findings. Is it was a post-1982 penny it may have almost completely dissolved.

Regards,

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

Note to students with science projects: Please see our FAQ on Cleaning Pennies; it will tell you everyhing you need to know!