Question
Why are acids not stored in metal containers? Containers/vessels made from which material are safe to store acids.
Solution
Metals like sodium, magnesium and calcium, react vigorously with mineral acids and give hydrogen.
Aluminium, zinc, and iron react less vigorously with mineral acids. However, some metals like copper, silver and gold do not react with acids. Some metals like sodium and calcium react with sulphuric violently and are unsafe. So mineral acids (except carbonic acid) react with metal and produce corrosion on the surface of metal container. Therefore, acid are not stored in metal containers.
Vessels made from glass or ceramic are considered safe for storing mineral acids.
