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General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Karsten on 08/03/2009 15:13:57

Title: Is urine more corrosive than water?
Post by: Karsten on 08/03/2009 15:13:57
If yes, what does it corrode better than water?
Title: Is urine more corrosive than water?
Post by: Kryptid on 08/03/2009 17:53:16
I'm not exactly certain, but it probably is more corrosive to some materials simply because of the variety of chemicals it contains. The pH of urine is usually close to neutral, but can be acidic or alkaline as well. Presumably, the more acidic or alkaline it is, the more likely it is to corrode something.
Title: Is urine more corrosive than water?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 09/03/2009 02:38:34
Is that tap water or distilled water?
Title: Is urine more corrosive than water?
Post by: _Stefan_ on 09/03/2009 07:19:47
The mixture of salts is also likely to contribute to corrosion.
Title: Is urine more corrosive than water?
Post by: lightarrow on 09/03/2009 08:10:33
If yes, what does it corrode better than water?
"Corrosive" means nothing if you don't specify for what. If you have to dissolve salt, water is certainly more corrosive, for example.
Title: Is urine more corrosive than water?
Post by: Karsten on 09/03/2009 20:13:51
If yes, what does it corrode better than water?
"Corrosive" means nothing if you don't specify for what. If you have to dissolve salt, water is certainly more corrosive, for example.

I left it open on purpose. I wanted to know what it corrodes better then water. Seems from your answer that it corrodes salts LESS than water. How about concrete?
Title: Is urine more corrosive than water?
Post by: lightarrow on 10/03/2009 22:27:28
If yes, what does it corrode better than water?
"Corrosive" means nothing if you don't specify for what. If you have to dissolve salt, water is certainly more corrosive, for example.

I left it open on purpose. I wanted to know what it corrodes better then water. Seems from your answer that it corrodes salts LESS than water. How about concrete?
Do you want to make holes on concrete using urine? [:D]
No, seriously, I sincerely don't know, but I think it "corrodes" more than water, just because when it dries it leaves solid chemicals that can expand, on accumulating inside the concrete's pores.