What causes vinegar to rust a nail?

Answer:
vinegar contains acetic acid which releases hydrogen ions, so vinegar is acidic meanign it contains hydrogen ions. These acids make metals corrode (break down) the water in vinegar and oxygen in the air makes the metals with iron in them (since iron is the only metal that oxidizes, or rusts) form iron oxide which is the scientific name for rust.
First answer by ID3637064900. Last edit by ID1200220444. Question popularity: 3 [recommend question].