Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the chemical reactions that occur when copper is introduced to concentrated sulfuric acid and subsequently rinsed with water, particularly focusing on the production of a foul odor and the possible gases involved, such as hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant observes that rinsing copper with water after exposure to sulfuric acid produces a bubbling reaction and a rotten egg smell, questioning the identity of the gas released.
- Another participant confirms that the smell is likely due to hydrogen sulfide and suggests that the copper may have had traces of sulfide prior to the reaction.
- A different participant proposes that elevated temperatures are necessary for sulfuric acid to be reduced to sulfur oxides by copper, suggesting that sudden dilution of the acid could create such conditions.
- There is a mention that while copper can reduce sulfuric acid, it may not do so significantly without the right conditions.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the chemical processes involved, particularly regarding the necessity of elevated temperatures and the potential for copper to reduce sulfuric acid. There is no consensus on the exact reactions that occurred.
Contextual Notes
Participants note the possibility of prior sulfide traces on the copper and the conditions under which sulfuric acid might be reduced, but these points remain speculative and unresolved.