Corrosion
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 9.5.1
Corrosion
Corrosion describes the gradual destruction of metals because of chemical reactions between metals and the oxygen and water around them. The rusting of iron is an example of corrosion:
Rusting reaction
- Iron + oxygen + water → hydrated iron(III) oxide.
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Rusting experiment
- Take a boiling tube and put an iron nail inside under three different sets of conditions and see if it rusts:
- Only water - no rust.
- Only air - no rust.
- Air and water - rust.
Test yourself on Corrosion
Under what conditions would a metal corrode?
What is formed when iron reacts with oxygen and water?