For the exclusive use of Chem 86L OTL class in Xavier-Ateneo

Experiment 3
Corrosion of Iron
Corrosion is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction in which a free metal is oxidized, or
“corroded,” by some oxidizing agent. In nature, the oxidizing agent is frequently atmospheric
oxygen dissolved in water. Perhaps the most familiar example of corrosion is the rusting of iron.
Rusting occurs mainly when iron slowly combines with the oxygen from moist air. The overall
reaction is represented by the equation

4 Fe + 3 O2 → 2 Fe2O3 iron (III) oxide; ferric oxide

In this reaction, free iron, Fe, is oxidized to Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. In the reduction half-reaction,
oxygen, O2, reacts with water to form OH− ions.

The rusting of iron is usually considered a destructive change, and considerable time and money
are spent to prevent it. One method, which you will observe in this experiment, make use of a
“sacrificial” metal. If iron is placed in contact with a more active metal (one that is more easily
oxidized), the more active metal will be corroded instead of the iron. Metals situated below iron
on the table of standard electrode potentials can function as sacrificial metals.

In this experiment, indicators will be used to signal the formation of Fe2+ ions and OH− ions as
products of the corrosion of iron. One such indicator, the hexacyanoferrate (III) ion, turns blue in
the presence of Fe2+ ions. The other, phenolphthalein, turns pink in the presence of OH− ions.
This experiment should help promote a better understanding of corrosion and of oxidation-
reduction reactions.

PROCEDURE

1. Set up the hot plate. Add 150 mL of distilled water to the 250 mL beaker and heat to boiling.

2. Prepare 3 petri dishes.

a. Tightly wrap one iron nail with a silver strip then place the nail in the 1st petri dish.
b. Coat another iron nail with iron oxide then place the nail in the 2nd petri dish.
c. In the 3rd petri dish, place a standard straight iron nail.
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Figure 1. Set-up for iron nails

3. Using the balance, measure out 1.50 g of agar gel powder. When the water is boiling
vigorously, turn off the heat. Slowly add the agar to the water, stirring constantly. When the
agar has dissolved, add 3.0 g KNO3, then 0.05 g K3Fe(CN)6 while continue stirring constantly.
Add 0.5 mL of phenolphthalein solution. After thorough mixing, remove the beaker from the
hot plate.

4. When the agar solution is cool enough but still liquid, pour it into each Petri dish to a depth
of 0.5 cm (make sure the nails are completely covered).

5. Let the petri dishes stand undisturbed for 48 hours. After 48 hrs, record the observed changes
on the nail and the surrounding agar in each petri dish.

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Name: Locker No.:

Co-Workers: Section:
Date Performed:
Attendance:

Expt. 3 Corrosion of Iron

I. I. Objectives: Pre-lab data:

Observations:
Analysis/Post lab
questions:
Conclusion:
TOTAL:

II. Apparatus: III. Symbols of Chemicals:

IV. Procedure: (Note: Write schematic diagram on the last page provided)

V. Observations

A. Description of each nail in the petri dishes

Initial Reaction Final Reaction
(After 48 hours)

Silver-wrapped iron nail

Iron nail in contact with iron oxide

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Standard straight iron nail

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B. Illustrate/draw observed changes in the iron nails

Initial Reaction Final Reaction
(After 48 hours)

Silver-wrapped iron nail

Iron nail in contact with

iron oxide

Standard straight iron nail

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VI. Analysis

POST-LAB QUESTIONS: Limit your answers to 3-5 sentences.

1. Compare the colors observed on the straight nail and the nail coated with iron oxide, particularly
at the head, at the pointed end, and at middle area, and differentiate from each of the nails. What
happened to the agar at these sites? Account for the colors formed based on the electrochemical
reaction and ions produced in corrosion.
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2. Compare the colors observed on the silver-wrapped nail and the nail coated with iron oxide
Explain the differences observed between the two nails. What can you infer about the role of
silver and iron oxide in the corrosion of iron metal?
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3. Based on the results of this experiment, what are the factors that contribute to the corrosion of
iron?

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4. What methods are used to reduce the corrosion of metals?

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VII. Conclusion
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Schematic Diagram

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