• Question: Can any type of acid burn through your finger?

    Asked by abbiexoxoxo to James, Marcus, Martin, Rob, Suzanne on 16 Mar 2012. This question was also asked by courteney4, hannahbeech1999.
    • Photo: Martin Zaltz Austwick

      Martin Zaltz Austwick answered on 15 Mar 2012:

      No, it would have to be very strong. Lemon juice is acidic. So is vinegar. They aren’t nearly concentrated enough to do any damage. There’s acid in your stomach for dissolving food and breaking it down – that’s quite strong, but your stomach copes ok. (THAT’S NOT A GOOD REASON TO GO DRINKING ACID – please don’t drink acid unless it is vinegar or lemon juice, and even then, not too much because they’ll make you throw up).

    • Photo: Marcus Gallagher-Jones

      Marcus Gallagher-Jones answered on 16 Mar 2012:

      As Martin said it is not the type of acid that is important but the strength. Acids are defined by how much of the molecules in solution split into the bulk molecules ( lets call it [A]-) and a proton or hydrogen ion ([H]+). In a strong acid, like hydrochloric acid, most of these will exist in there separated form. In a weak acid like vinegar most of the molecules remain intact ([HA]). As it is the [H]+ that actually react with things you can see why a strong acid is more damaging.

      For the record the acid in your stomach is really pretty strong. your stomach copes with this by producing a layer of mucus that constantly reacts with the acid and is replenished to protect your stomachs lining. The cells lining your stomach are also very short lived and are replaced very frequently.

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