Kirti kept a metal spoon in a glass jar filled with pickle for a few days. She observed there were holes in the spoon. What could be the reason?
Metal reacts with acid present in pickle to form salt hence, metal gets dissolved.
Since the spoon is made of metal, it reacts with acid present in the pickle to form salt hence, the metal gets dissolved and holes are formed.
Metal + Acid = Salt.
The reason for the holes in the spoon when kept in a glass jar filled with pickle for a few days is most likely due to a chemical reaction called corrosion. Corrosion is a natural process that occurs when metals react with substances in their environment, such as moisture, air, or chemicals.
In this case, the pickle is likely an acidic liquid containing vinegar or other acidic substances. Acids can react with metal, causing corrosion. The spoon, being made of a metal, reacts with the acids in the pickle, resulting in the formation of holes or pits on its surface.
To further explain how corrosion happens, here's a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Chemical Reaction: When the spoon is immersed in the pickle, the acids in the pickle react with the metal of the spoon.
2. Oxidation: This reaction initiates an oxidation process, where the metal atoms lose electrons and form ions.
3. Ion Formation: The metal ions that are formed dissolve in the pickle, creating metal cations.
4. Electron Flow: Simultaneously, electrons from the metal are released during the oxidation reaction.
5. Reduction: These released electrons eventually react with components present in the environment, like oxygen or hydrogen ions (H+), in a process called reduction.
6. Electrochemical Cell: The interaction of the metal ions (cations) and free electrons forms an electrochemical cell on the surface of the spoon.
7. Corrosion: The electrochemical cell leads to the progressive breakdown of the metal, resulting in the formation of holes or pits on the spoon's surface.
In summary, the chemical reaction between the acids in the pickle and the metal of the spoon leads to a corrosion process, eventually causing holes to form on the spoon's surface.