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Why are zinc pennies copper plated?

I am in 10th grade and I need to know a practical chemical reason for copper plating of the pennies. is the only reason to prevent corrosion of the zinc center?

Mark C [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
Student - Pennsylvania
March 18, 2008

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P>A. You gave one reason. Zinc is a very reactive metal that will dissolve in very dilute acid solutions. The sweat in some people is quite acid. The copper will wear much better than the zinc. Pennies have always been copper, so to be accepted as a penny, they have to at least be copper coated.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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