Re: [Phys-l] copper cleaning

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 04/04/2011 02:58 AM, Anthony Lapinski wrote:
> I have a tarnished solid copper pole, about 1.5 cm thick and 40 cm long. I
> hope to use it for heat/electricity demos. What is the best way to make it
> look shiny? I have searched online and found a variety of ways, from using
> vinegar to steel wool. 

Vinegar plus salt.  If we're talking about the usual sort of
tarnish (which is a sulfide) vinegar plus salt plus wiping 
will take it off very quickly.  Vinegar by itself does nothing.

> what's the best way to store the pole to
> preserve the surface? Wrapped tightly in plastic?

That should work fine.  

Anything that shuts out atmospheric sulfur will do.

Conversely, heating the thing over any kind of flame
is a big step in the wrong direction, because there is
likely to be sulfur in the fuel.