I am not a chemist, but I have always thought that some film producers (for example, science fiction) have been making a fundamental mistake. When a strong acid is poured out of its container and then dissolves everything in its path, why does it not dissolve the container itself in the first place?

Acids only react with certain types of objects. For example, hydrofluoric acid attacks glass, hydrochloric metals and many inorganic compounds, and none of these react with plastic. So, they are typically kept in plastic containers. Of course, working with acids, I see that the movie effect of acid is greatly exaggerated, even a small piece of a fairly reactive metal like neodymium takes an hour at least to dissolve completely.

Acids only react with certain types of objects. For example, hydrofluoric acid attacks glass, hydrochloric metals and many inorganic compounds, and none of these react with plastic. So, they are typically kept in plastic containers. Of course, working with acids, I see that the movie effect of acid is greatly exaggerated, even a small piece of a fairly reactive metal like neodymium takes an hour at least to dissolve completely.

 

I would add that nitric has to be in glass. Also, chromic acid (liquid/dry) has to be in glass. HCl will eventually, say, over 2 years, "seep" through even heavy duty plastic. Glass is best for HCl. Sulfuric will turn it blackish, although, safe to use.

Most of the time acids are stored in glass or HDPE plastic depending on acid and purpose. Acids unsuitable for storage in these containers are often stored in Teflon (TPFE) lined containers.