Materials:
* Pennies (at least 10)
* Pine-Sol
* Rubbing alcohol
* Two small bowls or containers
* Paper towels
* Vinegar (optional, for comparison)
Procedure:
1. Gather your pennies: Choose pennies that have visible tarnish or oxidation (the green or brown coating).
2. Label your containers: Label one bowl "Pine-Sol" and the other "Rubbing Alcohol."
3. Divide the pennies: Place five pennies in each bowl.
4. Add cleaning solutions: Pour a small amount of Pine-Sol into the "Pine-Sol" bowl, enough to cover the pennies. Do the same with rubbing alcohol in the "Rubbing Alcohol" bowl.
5. Soak: Let the pennies soak for 10-15 minutes.
6. Rinse and dry: Remove the pennies from each bowl and rinse them thoroughly with water. Dry them with paper towels.
7. Compare: Examine the pennies closely. Look for:
* Shine: Which penny looks the shiniest?
* Color: Do they have a consistent copper color, or are there any spots of tarnish left?
* Feel: Are the pennies smooth or still rough?
8. Optional: Vinegar Comparison: You can also add a third bowl labeled "Vinegar" and soak five pennies in vinegar for the same amount of time. This will give you a third point of comparison.
Observations and Analysis:
* Record your observations: Write down your observations about each penny, noting the shine, color, and feel.
* Which cleaner worked best? Was it Pine-Sol, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar? Why do you think that is?
* Investigate: Research the chemical properties of Pine-Sol, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar. How do they react with copper (the metal in pennies)?
Safety Tips:
* Always wear gloves when handling cleaning solutions.
* Work in a well-ventilated area.
* Keep cleaning solutions out of reach of children.
Additional Tips:
* You can try different soaking times to see if it affects the results.
* To make the experiment even more interesting, you can also try cleaning pennies with other common household items, like baking soda and lemon juice.
Have fun with your science experiment!
