ES 10A: Chemistry for Engineers LAB | Lab Activity 1 Page 1 of 5

ES 10A
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Lab Activity 1
Corrosion of Iron

Objectives
⦁ Observe and record conditions that could lead to corrosion
⦁ Compare and identify the conditions that hasten the rusting of iron
⦁ Describe the conditions to prevent corrosion

Introduction
Rusting of metals is a special case of metal oxidation. Iron will oxidize to form rust. Water
will cause metals to rust, and this reaction can be accelerated by adding salts. In the corrosion
process, metals get oxidized. There are two reactions occur in the rusting of metal: an oxidation
reaction that converts metal to metal ions and electrons; and a second reaction that utilizes those
electrons by converting oxygen and water to hydroxide ions. For these reactions to occur, the
electrons must be transported from the place where the metal dissolves to the place where the
oxygen is consumed. This ionic current flows more easily through water containing electrolytes
(i.e., NaCl). This accounts for the rapid rusting of unprotected steel in a salty environment.
The purpose of this experiment is to illustrate the principles and practical aspects of
corrosion when subjected to different conditions.

Materials
13 pcs. Iron nails (2 inches) Watch
Six clear plastic/glass containers (open) Water
Six clear plastic/glass containers (closed) Salt
Strings Vinegar
Rod (any material) Tablespoon
Flashlight Sandpaper
Ruler

Safety
⦁ Never taste the water used in this experiment.

Procedure

⦁ Note: To save time, please perform Parts A, B, and C simultaneously.

A. Condition A
1. Polish (1) iron nail using sandpaper to remove pre-existing rust.
2. Expose this nail to atmospheric conditions outside your house.
3. Record your observations at the specified hours (see Data Sheet).

B. Condition B
1. Prepare six (6) nails size 2”. Polish the nails using a sandpaper to remove
preexisting rust on the nails.
2. Tie a string on the head of each six nails.
3. Attached the end of the strings to the rod.
4. Observe equal distance between the strings.
5. Make a stand to support the rod.
6. Prepare six (6) clear open plastic/glass containers.
7. Fill each container with three-fourths water and take note of following:
 a) Container 1: No salt added.
b) Container 2: Add two (2) tablespoons (tbsp) salt.
c) Container 3: Add four (4) tbsp salt.
d) Container 4: Add two (2) tbsp vinegar.
e) Container 5: Add four (4) tbsp vinegar.

AY 2023-2024 1st Semester D. I. Oppus, C.G. Racho

ES 10A: Chemistry for Engineers LAB | Lab Activity 1 Page 2 of 5

f) Container 6: Add two (2) tbsp salt and two (2) tbsp vinegar.
8. Place the rod with nails on the stand.
9. Adjust the rod and ensures the iron nails must be partially submerged in the
water/water solution. Make sure to align the nails at the center of the
container.
10. Draw and label your set-up.
11. Take a picture of the nails at specified time (see Data Sheet in next page).
12. Use a flashlight in every observation. Observe what happens at the specified
times and conditions in the observation tables.

C. Condition C
1. Repeat Part B but instead of hanging the iron nails with strings, completely
submerge them in the respective solutions in closed containers.

Assessment
A. Answers on the Data Sheet [30 pts]
B. Laboratory Results [70 pts]
1. Photos of the set-up [20 pts]
2. Quality and content of experiment + Observations [50 pts]

Reference
Timpanelli, N., & Allen, C. (2020). Rusting high school experiment. Corrosion Doctors.
https://corrosion-doctors.org/Training/HighSchool-rusting.htm
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AY 2023-2024 1st Semester D. I. Oppus, C.G. Racho

Name: Vander Louis Valdez Date: _09/29/2023_________________________________

Section: BSCE-1A_____________________________ Group no:__3____________________________________
Group Leader: Jofes Ronquillo______Group Members: Naranjo,Ronquillo,Valdez,TecsonCosrojas

ES 10A
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Exercise 1 Data Sheet
Corrosion of Iron

Data and Observations

1. Draw the three setups (Condition A, B, and C) on the space provided.

AY 2023-2024 1st Semester D. I. Oppus, C.G. Racho

ES 10A: Chemistry for Engineers LAB | Lab Activity 1 Page 4 of 5

2. Write down your observations.

Table 1. Observations for Nail Exposed to Condition A (Atmospheric Condition)

11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
8:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:00 AM
Time (After 2 (After 2 (After 2
(Start time) (After 1 hr) (next day)
more hrs) more hrs) more hrs)
Nail exposed
to
atmospheric
conditions

Table 2. Observations for Nails Exposed to Condition B (Hanging; Partially submerged in water)
11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
8:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:00 AM
Time (After 2 (After 2 (After 2
(Start time) (After 1 hr) (next day)
more hrs) more hrs) more hrs)

Container 1

Container 2

Container 3

Container 4

Container 5

Container 6

AY 2023-2024 1st Semester D. I. Oppus, C.G. Racho

ES 10A: Chemistry for Engineers LAB | Lab Activity 1 Page 5 of 5

Table 3. Observations for Nails Exposed to Condition C (Submerged in water, closed containers)
11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
8:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:00 AM
Time (After 2 (After 2 (After 2
(Start time) (After 1 hr) (next day)
more hrs) more hrs) more hrs)

Container 1

Container 2

Container 3

Container 4

Container 5

Container 6

Questions
1. In your own words, what is corrosion?

2. What is the color of the substance formed on the surface of the iron nail? How was it
formed?

3. Give the balanced chemical reactions for the corrosion of iron.

4. Comparing the three conditions, what are the factors that hasten the corrosion of iron?

5. As a Civil/Electrical Engineer, what courses of action can you employ to avoid

degradation of metal pipes and pumps due to rusting?

AY 2023-2024 1st Semester D. I. Oppus, C.G. Racho