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Coca-Cola and the Rusty Nail

Mostly it's the carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is created when Carbon Dioxide is dissolved in water. It's a normal process and carbon dioxide naturally occurs in rainwater, although in a very weak solution. Carbon dioxide under pressure will create a stronger carbonic acid, giving the characteristic bubbles that we detect in "soda" drinks. Carbonic acid is responsible for dissolving minerals which end up in caves as stalactites and other cave features. If you think about it, the same acid that dissolves calcified rock and makes the cave formations will certainly act on iron. Many people try to frighten people by rusting a nail in Coke. You can also rust a nail in an orange, a grapefruit or a pineapple, but don't take my word for it. Some soft drinks also include Phosphoric acid, which adds a tartness. The phosphoric acid is not nearly as strong as the carbonic acid in your Cola, Doctor Pepper or other soft drink, but it too will contribute slightly to the reaction.

BTW, it is recommended that you not consume more than 1 or 2 drinks per week that contain phosphoric acid.

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15y ago

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What is the independent variable of does a nail rust faster in coke or Pepsi?

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Pepsi contains acids that can accelerate the rusting process on a nail. It usually takes several days to weeks for a nail to start showing signs of rust when immersed in Pepsi. Factors like the composition of the nail and the acidity of the Pepsi can affect the speed of the rusting process.


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Coca cola contains carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, and sugar, all of which can accelerate the rusting process of a nail due to their corrosive properties. The acidity in the drink reacts with the iron in the nail, causing it to corrode and rust at a faster rate when submerged in Coca Cola.


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