How could you dissolve a coating of CaCO3(s) from a metal plate? A metal plate has an unwanted coating of $\ce{CaCO3(s)}$. You must find a way to clean this metal plate without causing any scratches or abrasion. How might you dissolve the coating?


I know I should find a substance that will dissolve the coating, and then soak the plate in it. How do I determine an appropriate substance?
It might take some time, but I would use vinegar.

The acid in vinegar is strong enough to dissolve the calcium carbonate, but it is not strong enough to dissolve metals (unless the metal reacts with water).