354 



Common Science 



Action of acids on other substances. Acids do not act 

 on metals only, however. Watch the next experiment 

 to see what a strong acid will do to cloth. 



Experiment 107. To be done by the teacher. Put a drop 

 of concentrated nitric or sulfuric acid on a piece of colored 

 wool cloth, or on a piece of colored silk. Let it stand for a 

 few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly. Test the cloth where 

 the acid has been to see whether or not it is as strong as the 

 rest of the cloth. How has the acid affected the color? 



Action of acids on the nerves of taste. Acids act on 

 the taste nerves in the tongue and give the taste of 



FIG. 183. Strong acids will eat holes like this in cloth. 



