Can Ripper
Description: The inside of an aluminum can is scratched with a file to remove the thin plastic coating. A solution of copper chloride is added to the can, and the aluminum is oxidized as the copper is reduced. After a few minutes, the demonstrator should be able to rip the can in half.
Source: UW Card Catalog
Year: N/A Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Aluminum, Copper chloride, Redox, Can
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal
- Skin irritation
- Serious eye damage
- Sharps hazard
- Acute and chronic aquatic toxicity hazard
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable with guidance
- Somewhat conceptually connected to source material
- Moderate reliability
Difficulty: High
- Prior training recommended
- Procedures with some intermediate steps to results
- Careful manipulations required
- Time dependent experiment
- Use of toxic reagents
- Risk of injury
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Avoid sharp edges on can during performance
- Avoid exposure to droplets or liquids
- Prevent release or reagents to the environment
Class: Electrochemistry, Redox,
Division: General
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