Clean a penny using cola. Pennies have a copper coating. As the copper gets older, it reacts with the oxygen in the air and begins to form a copper-oxygen compound. This compound is what makes the penny look dull. Meanwhile, cola contains phosphoric acid. This acid breaks down the copper-oxygen compound chemical bonds allowing a fresh, unoxidized layer of copper to be exposed.
Ingredients:
- Shallow container
- Cola
- A penny – the older and dirtier the better
STEP 1
Place the penny in the container.
STEP 2
Add enough cola so the penny is covered.
STEP 3
Leave overnight.
STEP 4
In the morning, you should find that your penny is clean.
