Is this balanced properly
2H2O2----> 2H2O +O2
Thank you for the reactions of zinc and acetic acid. REAL QUESTION, if I was to rub all the copper off of a new penny down to the zinc, what would be the appearance of the zinc if I left it in vinegar (acetic acid ) for 30min.
I can't rub off enough copper, and I can only see the green from the copper reacting to the vinegar,
Thank you again
The green color comes from the Cu; therefore, if there is no Cu and only Zn, there will be color because Zn(C2H3O2) is not colored.
To determine if the given equation is balanced, we can count the number of atoms on both sides of the equation.
On the left side, we have:
2 hydrogen (H) atoms
2 oxygen (O) atoms
On the right side, we have:
2 hydrogen (H) atoms
2 oxygen (O) atoms
Since the number of atoms is equal on both sides, the equation is balanced properly.
Now, moving on to your real question about the appearance of zinc if left in vinegar (acetic acid) for 30 minutes.
When you rub off the copper coating from a new penny down to the zinc core, the appearance of the zinc will be silvery-grayish in color. However, when exposed to vinegar (acetic acid), zinc goes through a chemical reaction known as corrosion.
During the reaction, the zinc metal reacts with the acetic acid in vinegar. This reaction forms zinc acetate and releases hydrogen gas. The zinc acetate created may dissolve in the vinegar, giving the solution a cloudy appearance.
After 30 minutes of being in vinegar, the zinc may start to develop a dull surface due to the formation of zinc oxide, which can be whitish or opaque. This oxide layer can protect the underlying zinc from further corrosion.
However, it's important to note that without removing the copper layer completely, it may still interfere with the observation of the appearance changes in the zinc. The green color you mentioned is likely due to the copper reacting with the vinegar, forming copper acetate, which can give a greenish-blue color.
So, if you want to observe the appearance changes of the zinc accurately, it is advisable to remove all the copper coating from the penny before placing it in vinegar.