REDOX AND RUSTING

FIN BRICKMAN AND ADI RAJA

REDOX

• OXIDATION IS LOSS, REDUCTION IS GAIN

• They take place simultaneously, because as one substance gains electron(s),
another must lose them. Electron transfer must take place.
• The substance which is oxidised, and loses electrons to cause reduction, is
called the reducing agent
• Similarly, the substance which is reduced, and gains electrons to cause
oxidation, is called the oxidising agent
OILRIG
EXAMPLES

Reduction
𝐹𝑒 3+ + 𝑒 − 𝐹𝑒 2+
𝑂 + 2𝑒 − 𝑂2− Reduction

𝐿𝑖 𝐿𝑖 + + 𝑒 − Oxidation
WORKED EXAMPLE

• Displacement reaction between Lead and Silver Nitrate:

• Full balanced equation: 𝑃𝑏(𝑠) + 2𝐴𝑔𝑁𝑂3 (𝑎𝑞) 𝑃𝑏(𝑁𝑂3 )2 (𝑎𝑞) +2𝐴𝑔(𝑠)

• Ionic equation: 𝑃𝑏(𝑠) + 2𝐴𝑔+ 𝑃𝑏2+ + 𝐴𝑔(𝑠)

• Half equation for Lead: 𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑏2+ + 2𝑒 − (Oxidised)
• Half equation for Silver: 2𝐴𝑔++2𝑒 − 𝐴𝑔 (Reduced)
RUSTING
 OVERALL WORD EQUATION

Water + Oxygen + Iron Hydrated Iron III Oxide

PROBLEMS WITH RUSTING

• Looks unpleasant
• Weakens metal
• Crumbles and flakes, exposing a new surface to corrosion
• Continues to allow water and oxygen to reach iron as it isn’t impervious
• Larger volume than iron
HOW IT HAPPENS

• Requires air (oxygen), moisture (water) and iron (obviously)

• It can be speeded up by adding:
• Acid
• Salt
RUSTING REACTIONS: (NOT NECESSARY FOR GCSE)

• 𝐹𝑒 𝐹𝑒 2+ + 2𝑒 −
• 4𝑒 − + 𝑂2 + 2𝐻2𝑂 4𝑂𝐻 −
• 𝐹𝑒 2+ + 2𝑂𝐻− 𝐹𝑒(𝑂𝐻)2

• 4𝐹𝑒(𝑂𝐻)2 + 𝑂2 2(𝐹𝑒2 𝑂3 . 𝑥𝐻2 𝑂)+2𝐻2 𝑂

PROTECTION

• Painting
• Oiling
• Covering with plastic
• Galvanising
• These are barrier methods
SACRIFICIAL PROTECTION

• If metal that is more reactive than iron is present, like Magnesium or Zinc, it
will oxidise in preference to the iron, so the iron will not corrode.
• Once the metal becomes fully oxidised it must be replaced
 THANK YOU FOR WATCHING

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