FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | December 19, 2017

How to spot fake metals with acids (video)

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2017 — Acids are reactive, with even weak acids like vinegar interacting with other materials to wow students. But strong acids can really put on a show. For example, aqua regia, or royal water, is a mixture of two strong acids -- hydrochloric and nitric acids – that can dissolve gold, a noble metal. This reaction can be put to use. Watch as Reactions employs some acid know-how to explain a chemistry detective story to sort real gold from its imposters: https://youtu.be/cjN5yLvi_kA.

Youtube ID: cjN5yLvi_kA

Reactions is a video series produced by the American Chemical Society and PBS Digital Studios. Subscribe to Reactions at http://bit.ly/ACSReactions and follow us on Twitter @ACSReactions.

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