Rust is what type of reaction

The iron reacts with water and oxygen to form hydrated iron III oxide, which we see as rust. Here is the word equation for the reaction:. Iron and steel rust when they come into contact with water and oxygen — both are needed for rusting to occur. In the experiment below, the nail does not rust when air containing oxygen or water is not present:. The result is:. Chris Deziel holds a Bachelor's degree in physics and a Master's degree in Humanities, He has taught science, math and English at the university level, both in his native Canada and in Japan.

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Because of the electrochemical nature of the reaction, dissolved electrolytes in water aid the reaction. Rust occurs more quickly in saltwater than in pure water, for example.

Keep in mind oxygen gas O 2 is not the only source of oxygen in air or water. Carbon dioxide CO 2 also contains oxygen. Carbon dioxide and water react to form weak carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is a better electrolyte than pure water. As the acid attacks the iron, water breaks into hydrogen and oxygen. Free oxygen and dissolved iron form iron oxide, releasing electrons, which can flow to another part of the metal.

Once rusting starts, it continues to corrode the metal. Rust is brittle, fragile, progressive, and weakens iron and steel. To protect iron and its alloys from rust, the surface needs to be separated from air and water. Coatings can be applied to iron. Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms an oxide, much like how iron forms rust. The difference is the chromium oxide does not flake away, so it forms a protective layer on the steel.

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