CHEM 114

Name: Justine Ryan L. Malgapo Student No. SUM2021-01869

Section: BSCE - 1E Date: 17/09/2021

CHEM - 114
Experiment #1

Rusting of Metal – Home Experiment

Fig. 1 – Rusting influences the physicochemical state of a metal

Rusting is a phenomenon in which a surface of a metal (frequently containing iron) turns orange-brown
in color. Sometimes, when too much, rust forms a noticeable thick layer on the metal surface jeopardizing its
physical structure. This rust corrodes many iron-based metals that decrease the duration of its utility and affect
its mechanical properties in general.
In general, corrosion is a proper term used to describe metal degradation. Rusting is a form of corrosion
happening between the iron atoms in a metal surface and the atmospheric oxygen catalyzed by water.

I. Objective of the experiment

For this experiment, we want to observe how different chemical components (iron, water, and atmospheric
oxygen) affect the rusting process qualitatively. We also want to see how the rust builds up in the metal surface
over time and observe the degree of the process.

II. Delimitations
This experiment was intended to be performed in a house setting. Lack of analytical measurements due to the
absence of proper analytical instruments and apparatus to do so may cause data variation among students
performing the experiment.
 CHEM 114

Name: Justine Ryan L. Malgapo Student No. SUM2021-01869

Section: BSCE - 1E Date: 17/09/2021

III. Materials and Methods

a. Materials
We will be limited with what is available inside your house. To start off, you need the following.
● 5 pieces of Empty Plastic or Glass Bottle (could be any container that can be sealed – e.g., bottle jar or
garapon, empty water bottle or sealable glass containers. Containers should be transparent.)
Note: We need containers that is large enough to contain the nails. We don’t need the containers to be the same
size as the nails.
● 15 pieces size 2 Iron nails (pako)
● Baking Soda or Flour
● Vinegar
● Table Salt
● Any form of Cooking Oil except chicken oil, and oil from pork or beef fat. Avoid used cooking oils.

b. Procedures
1. Set up your containers. Label them 1, 2,3, 4, and 5. Fill 3 containers (containers 1,2, and 3) with water
until they were half full. Leave containers 4, and 5 with no water in it for now.
2. Put 5 spoonfuls of vinegar in container 1.
3. Put 3 - 5 pinch of table salt (use rock salt) in container 2 and agitate the solution to dissolve.
4. Leave container 3 with just water.
5. Fill container 4 with oil enough to drench the nails in it. It is important to not expose the nails to air.
6. Put 3 nails on each container including container 5.
7. Put 5 to 8 spoonfuls of baking soda or flour to container 5 enough to bury the nails in it.
8. Seal them all tightly.
9. Take a clear picture of each nail and observe any changes every day, for 10 days.

Post Activity Assessment

Scalar Description of Rusting
On a scale of 1 to 5, rate how rusted the nails are in each container. Insert the picture of each container per day
of observation.

Subjective metrics guide:

Scale 1: Few spots of rust appeared
Scale 2: Numerous spots of rust appeared
Scale 3: Portion of the surface of the nail was covered with rust
Scale 4: Significant portion of nail surface was covered
Scale 5: Entire nail surface was covered with rust
 CHEM 114

Name: Justine Ryan L. Malgapo Student No. SUM2021-01869

Section: BSCE - 1E Date: 17/09/2021

Rate of Rustiness
Container
Description
# Day Number
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

Rate: NR NR NR NR NR NR 1 1 1 1

Dilute Vinegar
1 Insert your
Solution
Picture:

Rate: 1 1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4

2 Salt Solution Insert your

Picture:
 CHEM 114

Name: Justine Ryan L. Malgapo Student No. SUM2021-01869

Section: BSCE - 1E Date: 17/09/2021

Rate: 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4

3 Water Insert your

Picture:

Rate: NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

4 Cooking Oil Insert your

Picture:

Rate : NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Baking Soda or
5 Insert your
Flour
picture
 CHEM 114

Name: Justine Ryan L. Malgapo Student No. SUM2021-01869

Section: BSCE - 1E Date: 17/09/2021

Laboratory Report Guide Questions

1. In which containers did the nails rust rapidly? Explain.
Answer: According to my observation in the containers, it seems that the nails rust rapidly in containers 2 and 3
which is pure water and water with salt. The reason behind this is that water is a common substance that makes
iron nails rust. It is because water contains oxygen which makes metal rust. Adding salt into tap water increase
the rate of rusting which makes the rust faster.

2. In which containers did the nails rust slowly? Explain.

Answer: Based on my observation, the nails rust slowly in containers 4 and 5 which is cooking oil and baking
soda. In my day 10 observation, I only rate in with NR or “No Reaction”. Why? Once the Iron nails were coated
with oil, the moisture didn’t react with the iron in the metal which makes the iron nails stay in their original
form. Same as baking soda, baking soda doesn’t make an iron nail go rust but instead a substance used for rust
remover.

3. Redox reaction involves the transfer of electrons. Elaborate on the role of oxygen in the rusting process.
Answer: Whenever the surface shell of an iron or steel object makes contact with oxygen, rust appears on the
surface. The oxygen particles collide with the iron molecules on the item's surface layer, allowing frame iron
oxide to form.

4. Steel corrodes faster in saltwater and acidic environment. Why?

Answer: This is because the saltwater, which is an electrolytic arrangement, contains more broken-up particles
than freshwater, causing electrons to move around freely. Since rusting is all about electron development, iron
rusts rapidly in salt water than it does in freshwater.

5. Explain the effect of corrosion on the physical and mechanical aspects of steel.
Answer: When it comes to physical aspects of a metal, it changes its appearance and color. A relationship
between metal corrosion and mechanical property degradation is identified. The more acidic the environment,
the more corrosion the mental experiences, and the corrosion weakens both the tensile strength and fracture
toughness of the metal, according to the report.

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