Q:
Is tarnishing a chemical change?
A:
Quick Answer
Tarnishing is a chemical change that occurs when certain metals are exposed to air or other sources. The change, known as oxidation reaction, is what leaves behind the tarnish.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Daniel Oines
CC-BY 2.0
Full Answer
Tarnish is most commonly associated with silver, but it can also be found on other metals, such as aluminum and copper.
Silverware, jewelry, and serving sets tend to succumb to tarnish over time. Just as a chemical reaction caused the tarnish, another reaction can remove the tarnish and leave silver pieces looking nearly as good as new. A mixture of boiling water and sodium bicarbonate is an effective way to remove tarnish from silver items.
Learn more about ChemistrySources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is a chemical change?
A: A chemical change is a process where two substances combine to form one or more new substances. This process is referred to as a chemical reaction, and it ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why does salt dissolve in water?
A: Dissolving salt in water is an example of a chemical change. The dissolution leads the salt to break into sodium and chlorine ions, so it alters its essent... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is the rusting of iron a physical change?
A: No, the rusting of iron is a chemical change because it is two substances reacting together to make a new substance. When iron rusts, iron molecules react ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is rusting a chemical change?
A: The formation of rust represents a chemical change. When a chemical change occurs, the substance or substances present at the beginning are no longer prese... Full Answer >Filed Under:
