A classic way to trick friend and foe alike, mastering your own little bit of fake alchemy by making this great fake gold out of nickels. Get started with Step 1 below.
Steps
- Fill the bowl with water.
- Put 1 spoon sodium hydroxide or lye in it (depending on the amount of coins you want to make gold-colored, you can put more).
- Add 1/3 of a spoon of zinc in it.
- Place the 1c , 10c or nickel(s) in it.
- Boil the solution until the coin(s) turn silver-colored.
- Get the silver-colored coin out of the bowl.
- Remove the bowl from the oven.
- Put the coin in a fire/ blow torch for 20 seconds each side and it will turn gold.
Tips
- Do not use a stove as it might fall on it.
- Electric stoves do not work.
- It's easier if you pour the water along with the coins on a plate, then pick them up.
Warnings
- You must also take care in disposing of the Sodium Hydroxide. Check with your local government to find out how to safely get rid of it. Do not simply dump it down the drain.
- Don't use your bare hands to remove the coin from the bowl.
- Be careful not to ingest any zinc.
- Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base. Do not touch the Sodium Hydroxide. It will burn you.
- Heating up/ boiling chemicals will produce hazardous fumes: be sure to carry the experiment in a well-ventilated area and take precautions.
Things You'll Need
- Sodium hydroxide
- Zinc
- nickel(s)
- Bowl
- Something to remove the coin from the bowl and put it in the fire (don't use bare hands).pliers or tongs will work well.
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