Would vinegar destroy a penny and how long would it take for to do so?

Vinegar can indeed destroy a penny, but the time it takes depends on several factors such as the type of vinegar used, its concentration, the temperature, and the surface area of the penny exposed to the vinegar. Let's consider each factor:

1. Type of Vinegar:

* White vinegar (5% acetic acid) is commonly used for household cleaning and is effective at dissolving the copper in pennies.

* Other vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, may also be used, but they may take longer to dissolve the penny due to their lower acetic acid content.

2. Concentration:

* The higher the concentration of acetic acid in the vinegar, the faster it will dissolve the penny.

* Pure acetic acid (100%) can dissolve a penny in a matter of minutes, while regular white vinegar (5% acetic acid) may take several hours or days.

3. Temperature:

* Higher temperatures accelerate the chemical reaction between the vinegar and the copper, leading to faster dissolution.

* Dissolving a penny in hot vinegar will take less time compared to using cold vinegar.

4. Surface Area:

* The more surface area of the penny is exposed to the vinegar, the faster the dissolution process.

* Scraping or filing the penny's surface can increase its surface area and speed up the process.

As a general estimate, here are approximate time ranges for dissolving a penny in white vinegar (5% acetic acid) at room temperature:

* Whole Penny: It may take several days or even weeks for the penny to dissolve completely, depending on the vinegar's concentration and temperature.

* Scraped Penny: If the penny's surface is scraped or filed to increase the surface area, it can dissolve significantly faster, potentially within hours or overnight.

It's important to note that the dissolution process can release copper ions into the vinegar, potentially changing its color and properties. Additionally, always handle vinegar and dissolved pennies with caution, as the process may produce fumes and release harmful chemicals.