How do you make a burnt coin silver again? 🪙 In this science experiment @Alex Dainis 🧬🔬 demonstrates why soot from a flame is hydrophobic! Soot is mostly made up of small carbon and hydrocarbon particles that repel water making it hydrophobic. When you place the soot covered coin under water a small layer of air forms around it. This creates an air/water interface which causes the light to refract, making the coin look clean! Once you take the coin back out, the sooty appearance will return.

This Is Why You Must Clean It