Science Experiments - Copper Nail
This is another great pick for science experiments for kids, and it's suitable for any child old enough to understand measurements.
Materials: 1/4 cup (59.15 ml) white vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon (.62 ml) salt, 20 pennies, jar, iron nail, baking soda, sponge
Instructions: Pour the vinegar and salt into the jar and stir. Drop the pennies into the vinegar/salt mixture and leave them for three minutes. While the pennies are “stewing,” clean the iron nail with the baking soda and sponge. Drop the nail in with the pennies and let it sit for 15 minutes. When you check the nail, it will be coated with copper.
The lesson: Acetate (acetic acid/vinegar) will combine with metals. In the case of the pennies and nail, the acetic acid and copper combined to form copper acetate, which then adhered to the iron nail.
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