Answer to Question #73245 in General Chemistry for jami

Question

Using your knowledge of corrosion and factors that increase the rate of this reaction, describe how you might go about cleaning oxidation off of some old dirty pennies so that they are bright and shiny again.

Answer 1

Answer:
Electrochemical methods:
a) Penny should be connected to the cathode of the external source of direct current.
The anode and the penny should be poured into the electrolyte.
b) Please note, that if you use the anode made of more electronegative metal, the
source of direct current is not necessary. Only physical (electrical) contact is enough.