Contrary to what Hollywood may have told us acid does not "melt" metal. Instead it corrodes metal. Corrosion is a process whereby a material disintegrates due to chemical reactions with its surrounding. Rust, for example, is the most common form of corrosion where metal corrodes due to its reaction with oxygen in the presence of water. Steel is one metal that reacts strongly to acids. If you are eager to "melt" metal and make it disappear, you can dissolve a steel nail using citric acid.
- Can of Coke
- Steel nail
- Drinking glass
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Instructions
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1
Open can of Coke. Coke contains high amounts of citric acid, as well as phosphoric acid and carbonic acid.
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2
Pour the can of Coke into a glass so you can watch the steel nail dissolve
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3
Drop steel nail into glass of Coke. Wait 5 hours, or overnight. The steel nail will have dissolved due to the citric acid in the drink.
