Why does Coke clean a penny?

The soda cleans the pennies because it contains phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid breaks down the copper oxygen compound and causes a new layer of the copper to be exposed.
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Will Coke clean a penny?

Coke and off-brand colas will quickly remove the tarnish. Just don't drink the coke afterward. Coke contains phosphoric acid that cleans the oxides. Try a variety of citrus juices to see which works best or simply let your pennies soak in lemon juice.
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Why is Coke good at cleaning coins?

Coke includes phosphoric acid which is the active ingredient that cleans the coins. However, if you let it sit for too long, it will damage the surface (and therefore the value) of your coins. Just like in life — do everything in moderation and you will be fine!
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What does Coca cola do to a penny?

When the copper oxide (the pennies) and the phosphoric acid (the cola) get together in the bath, the acid reacts with the copper oxide on the pennies and dissolves it. That's why the pennies get shiny.
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Does Coke need to be fizzy to clean coins?

Generally, it's not a good idea to use coca cola to clean coins as it might result in some damage. Substances like detergents and carbonated drinks can be powerful and abrasive.
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CLEANING PENNIES with COKE - Will COCA-COLA clean dirty coins?



How long do you soak a penny in Coke?

Pour your coins into the bowl and fill with Coke. Let the coins soak in the soda for about 5 minutes, then check to see if the corrosion has washed away. If the coins still feel grimy, then you can return them to the bowl for up to 15 minutes. If left much longer than 15 minutes, the soda can dissolve the metals.
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Will Coke dissolve a coin?

Coke and other sodas contain various acids and some of the strongest acids available on the market. For example phosphoric acid. This acid reacts with the copper and the zinc of the coin and dissolves it.
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Will Coke dissolve a nail?

The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days.
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How do you clean a penny with Pepsi?

  1. Step 1: Pour a couple of inches of Coke or Pepsi (any dark cola will work) in the bottom of a disposable cup.
  2. Step 2: Using the permanent marker, mark an X on one side of several of the pennies. ...
  3. Step 3: Drop a few pennies in the bottom of the cup. ...
  4. Step 4: Let the pennies sit in the cola overnight.
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What's the best thing to clean pennies with?

Vinegar (or Lemon Juice) and Salt

This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. It does this by using the low levels of acids that are contained naturally in vinegar and lemon juice to remove the patina (brown oxidation) on the penny.
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Are coins worth more clean or dirty?

Generally, it is better to leave your antique metal currency alone than it is to try and erase all the grime and grit off of those coins. Cleaning or polishing rare coins devalues them. So, if you're planning on selling them, get an appraisal before attempting to clean your coins.
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How do professionals clean coins?

Ultrasonic Cleaners

These coins are cleaned by using distilled water with a small amount of detergent in a special vibrating container. Acid based cleaners will eat away at a coin's surface diminishing its value.
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How long does it take for soda to clean a penny?

It may take a more than a few hours, but because the drink contains a mild acid, do not leave the coin in the drink for too long because it will dissolve. Leaving it in for more than 24 hours is a bad idea. Rinse with warm water and dry well on a clean, soft cotton cloth.
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Can Coca Cola clean copper?

Copper Cleaner

Restore that bright sheen by soaking the copper bottom in a pan filled with Coke for about an hour. The acid in the Coke makes the copper look shiny and new—without scrubbing. This cleaning trick works on plenty of other household copper accents as well.
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Does Diet Coke clean coins?

Clean coins: If your coins look dull and you want to spruce them up, drop your money into a glass of Coke. Wait for a full day or overnight before pulling your coins out. Wipe with a rag and buff the coins — most of the grime will have come away. Clean toilet: Diet Coke is better than most chemical cleaners.
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How do you clean coins without losing value?

Baking soda and vinegar have proven to be one of the most effective ways to clean tarnished coins. Submerge the coins in a shallow bath of vinegar and let them soak for at least an hour. If you don't have vinegar on hand, filtered tap or distilled water can be used as a substitute.
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Which soda cleans pennies the best science project?

Coke and off-brand colas will quickly remove the tarnish. Just don't drink the coke afterward. Coke contains phosphoric acid that cleans the oxides.
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How do you make coins shiny?

Related Items
  1. First, gather your supplies. ...
  2. In a jar, combine 1 cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon salt. ...
  3. Pour the solution into the plastic container. ...
  4. Add the coins in a single layer, so none of the coins are touching. ...
  5. When you remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel, they should look shiny.
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What pennies are valuable?

10 Most Valuable Old Pennies and What They're Worth
  1. 1792 Birch Cent - About $2.6 Million. ...
  2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny - About $1.7 Million. ...
  3. 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent - About $863,000. ...
  4. 1793 Liberty Cap Wreath Cent - About $391,000. ...
  5. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny - About $375,000. ...
  6. 1958 Double Die Lincoln Penny - About $336,000.
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Does Coke eat meat?

The high acidity of soda beverages like colas makes them a great marinade for meat. In fact, the Coke and meat experiment shows the effect that soda has on tenderizing beef, chicken and fish.
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Why does Coke dissolve meat?

The phosphoric acid in carbonated drinks such as Coca Cola makes it very acidic. It has a pH level around 2.7. The pH of our stomach is normally between 1.5 and 3.5 and it can dissolve meat.
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What happens to your body if you only drink Coke?

You might have frequent fainting spells and have a potassium deficiency. Due to all the sugar, caffeine, and other chemicals, you'd also experience problems with your heart rate. But the issues won't stop there.
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What stains can Coca Cola remove?

REMOVING STAINS

According to Good Housekeeping, Coke will remove blood stains, grease and gross odours from clothing. Just pour a can of the stuff in the wash and run the cycle as per usual - the Coke will lift out the stain and stink and wash away with it.
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What dissolves a coin?

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), known in the hardware store as muriatic acid, is sold for cleaning concrete. But it will also dissolve the zinc core of a penny, leaving a foil of copper roughly a thousandth of an inch thick bearing the original image of the coin.
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Does sugar dissolve in Coke?

If a sugar cube is put in coke then it will dissolve the fastest because the coke has the closest molecular structure to the sugar cube. supported because the sugar cube dissolved faster in water than in coke. I found out that water dissolves sugar at a faster rate than orange juice, lemonade, coke, and sprite.
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