Aluminum can, minus the aluminum!

Summary

In this experiment, the host demonstrates the process of dissolving the aluminum exterior of a soda can using sodium hydroxide. The reaction generates heat and hydrogen gas as it breaks down the aluminum, revealing the plastic liner inside the can. The experiment explores how the aluminum reacts, highlighting the varying rates of reaction at different areas of the can. The process takes about an hour to complete, with the plastic liner becoming fully visible after the reaction. The video concludes with an announcement about the host’s partnership with Varsity Tutors, offering free chemistry classes this summer.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aluminum soda cans have a plastic liner sprayed on the interior to protect the aluminum from the soda's acidity.
• 😀 In this experiment, sodium hydroxide is used to dissolve the aluminum exterior of a soda can.
• 😀 The process begins by creating a sodium hydroxide solution using water and sodium hydroxide pellets.
• 😀 As sodium hydroxide dissolves, it releases heat, which aids in the dissolution of the aluminum.
• 😀 To facilitate the reaction, the aluminum exterior of the can is roughened before it is submerged in the sodium hydroxide solution.
• 😀 Opening the can before submerging it prevents the internal pressure from causing the plastic liner to burst.
• 😀 The reaction between sodium hydroxide and aluminum produces hydrogen gas, which creates bubbles around the perimeter of the can.
• 😀 The process of dissolving the aluminum takes about 30 minutes, but the reaction continues for longer.
• 😀 The reaction is slower on the bottom of the can due to hydrogen gas bubbles getting trapped in the concave shape.
• 😀 After an overnight reaction, the plastic liner becomes visible as a transparent layer, and the bottom of the can is completely dissolved.
• 😀 The creator encourages viewers to join free chemistry classes offered through a partnership with Varsity Tutors' virtual summer camp.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the plastic liner sprayed on the inside of aluminum soda cans?

The plastic liner is sprayed on the inside of aluminum cans to prevent the soda from reacting with and attacking the aluminum material.

What chemical is used in the experiment to dissolve the aluminum exterior of the can?

Sodium hydroxide is used in the experiment to dissolve the aluminum exterior of the can.

How does sodium hydroxide react with aluminum?

Sodium hydroxide reacts with aluminum to dissolve it into an aqueous solution, producing hydrogen gas in the process.

Why does the sodium hydroxide solution release heat when dissolving the pellets?

When sodium hydroxide pellets dissolve in water, they undergo an exothermic reaction, which releases heat.

What role does roughing up the can's exterior play in the experiment?

Roughing up the can's exterior makes it easier for the sodium hydroxide to attack the aluminum, aiding the dissolution process.

What is the significance of opening the soda can before placing it in the sodium hydroxide bath?

Opening the can releases the carbonation, preventing the pressure from causing the lining to burst, as the lining is only a few microns thick.

What is observed when the aluminum can is placed in the sodium hydroxide solution?

Bubbles of hydrogen gas are produced around the perimeter of the can as the reaction takes place.

Why does the bottom of the can take longer to react compared to the rest of the can?

The concave shape of the bottom traps hydrogen gas bubbles, which slows down the reaction rate in that region.

What does the experiment reveal about the plastic liner inside the aluminum can?

After the aluminum is dissolved, the plastic liner becomes visible and transparent, showing that it remains intact while the aluminum reacts.

What is the significance of the partnership with Varsity Tutors mentioned in the transcript?

The partnership with Varsity Tutors involves offering free chemistry classes through their virtual summer camp program, with the first class focusing on the chemistry of fireworks explosions.