Rusting

What you need to know about rusting

Rusting is the corrosion of iron (& steel). Other metals

can CORRODE but not rust

It is an oxidation process (addition of oxygen)

Rust is hydrated iron oxide

Both water and oxygen (from the air) are required for
rusting

Salt and other (e.g. acid) can speed up rusting

 Group practical:

Work in groups of 3-4

Investigate the formation of rust on the iron nail

under 5 different conditions
Steps
1. Add dry, clean iron nail in each of the 5 boiling tubes.
2. Add 5-10 ml of water in each boiling tube.
3. Mark each boiling tube from 1-5 using a marker.
4. Fill the remaining boiling tube as given in the diagram
5. Add 1 spoon NaCl, 5 ml Vinegar, 5 ml Hydrogen Peroxide as
shown in the figure
RUST PREVENTION
Search/Investigate different methods of protecting iron nails
from rusting

Search from google and solve in your lab sheet

There are 2 main methods to help prevent rusting

1) Putting a barrier between the metal and the air and moisture
e.g. grease, paint, plastic, unreactive metal

2) Sacrificial protection-The iron is covered or connected to a

more reactive metal so it will ‘corrode’ ahead of the iron e.g.
Magnesium or Zinc
WHAT NEW YOU LEARNED TODAY ?