Essay On Penny

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The very first design of the penny was proposed by Benjamin Franklin. "The penny was the first currency of any type to be authorized by the United States." ("Penny History") The first penny was also 50% larger than the penny we have today! The United States Mint began producing pennies in 1793. The penny was made of 100% percent copper until 1837. From 1837 to 1857, pennies were a mixture of copper, zinc, and tin. Finally, in 1982, the United Sates Mint started producing copper-plated zinc pennies made of zinc with an outer layer of copper. We still use this type of penny today.

In Ancient Greece, some people were trying to "unravel nature's secrets". One step in "unraveling nature's secrets" was to sort all different kinds of substances. …show more content…

Tarnished means to dull the luster of; discolor. Coins can get dirty from rain, dirt, and other environmental hazards. Humans can even contaminate coins with dirt and bacteria in their hands. Also, "The atoms of the coins can combine with oxygen molecules in the atmosphere in a chemical process called oxidation." (Deziel) Oxidation is to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting. In this chemical process, the atoms of the coins combine with oxygen atoms in the air to create corrosion on the coins. The corrosion can make the coin look dirty, or can even change the color of the …show more content…

Some examples of acids include coffee, soda, orange juice, and lemon juice. When used in cleaning products, acids help break down stains like rust or mineral deposits. "Acids clean by attacking, dissolving, and breaking down the stains making them easier to remove." ("High pH = Basic (alkaline)") Bases, substances that have a PH level higher than 7, are usually bitter and are sometimes called alkalines. Basic solutions are used to remove fatty and oily soils from surfaces. "Basic solutions attack fatty and oily soils, breaking them into component parts that are easier to remove from surfaces or fabrics." ("High pH = Basic (alkaline)") One example of cleaning with bases is when you clean your hands with soap. Other basic solutions are used to clean and disinfect surfaces in your home such as bleach or all purpose

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