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:
Does boiling an egg cause a chemical change?
A: When someone boils an egg, it does undergo a chemical change with the molecules of fluid proteins crosslinking and uncoiling to create a network. A chemica... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is toasting bread a chemical change?
A: Toasting bread is a chemical change since changing the bread to toast cannot be reversed. A chemical change affects the very essence of the object since th... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is milk going sour a chemical or physical change?
A: The souring of milk is classified as a chemical change because it results in the production of sour-tasting lactic acid. Both physical and chemical changes... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
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:
