Why does vinegar corrode metal

[YOLO_BRO]

HEY i need help i was testing what liquids would corrode the metal the best and predicting the answer by ph level
IN this order Lemon juice, vinegar, OJ, and water
BUT why would vinegar corrode metal
HELP

[norman40]

Hello YOLO_BRO,

Corrosion refers to chemical reactions between a metal and its environment. Most commonly corrosion means the electrochemical combination of oxygen with a metal (oxidation). Rust on iron results from oxidation and it is an example of corrosion.

Electrochemical metal oxidation requires oxygen, water and an electrolyte. An electrolyte is a substance that produces ions when dissolved in water. An acid is an example of an electrolyte. Vinegar contains acetic acid. So, the acetic acid in vinegar can serve as the electrolyte needed in the electrochemical metal oxidation. Generally, lower pH results in faster corrosion or oxidation.

This is a quick answer to a somewhat complex topic. There is much more information available online and elsewhere about the chemistry of corrosion processes. Some background information that may be useful can be found at the following links:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... background

http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Experi ... mistry.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust


I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions.

A. Norman