Alloying brass in the school laboratory

Abstract

A Chemistry experiment is suggested to students aged 13-16. It consists of coating with zinc the copper surface of a 5 cent euro coin. A second step is transforming the result obtained into brass. The density of the coin is determined and the mass of zinc covering it is measured. The experience reinforces simple measurement procedures and introductory chemical concepts including alloys, solutions or chemical transformations. As an extension for higher education, the proportion of Zn in the brass obtained can be estimated.