All Questions
Tagged with everyday-chemistry metal
7 questions
240
votes
1
answer
74k
views
Why can we smell copper?
If I can smell an object, it means that molecules of it are getting separated from it, so they can reach my nose. As far as I know, metals don't sublimate, especially not in room temperature. However, ...
- 2,794
14
votes
5
answers
100k
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Which side of an aluminum foil should I put in contact with food?
Aluminum foil has two sides: a matte one, and a shiny one.
My question is: which one should I put in contact with food?
Criteria are the lowest risk of toxicity and best qualities for food ...
- 265
16
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Mercury metal: Not toxic?
Now I (and most of us here, I guess) have grown up around "Mercury's toxic! Avoid handling it! Do NOT screw around with this thing, if you value your life" and other equally heartening pieces of ...
- 18.8k
12
votes
4
answers
33k
views
What is the product of a copper and vinegar reaction?
I put a copper wire through a hole in the cap of a water bottle, filled the water bottle ~ half way full with vinegar, and left it over night. The part of the wire inside the bottle that wasn't in ...
- 268
10
votes
4
answers
7k
views
Which electrodes do not corrode at all?
I had used spare pieces of metal to perform electrolysis. They all had the disadvantage that they corrode when used as anode - and some of the oxides are toxic (copper, chromium).
I've found that ...
- 2,538
7
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How to detect lead paint on a bicycle?
Recently I started renovating a bicycle. The frame has been painted probably over 30 years ago, and despite holding well, big patches of rust are showing. So it's time to give the bike a new paint job....
- 243
1
vote
2
answers
694
views
Rust on stainless steel caused by salt solution
I am not a chemist and I could really use some help for a practical case.
I am fermenting vegetables (cabbage, onions, carrots, etc.). I recently switched from glass and ceramic vessels to stainless ...
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