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Rusting is an oxidation process that occurs very slowly in iron-on exposure to moisture. Upon exposure of a piece of metal made of iron or its alloy, over time, a reddish-brown substance called rust (a chemical compound) begins to cover the metal surface; a process called corrosion.
Rust can only form on iron in the presence of water or moisture. This moisture combines with the iron to give a chemical compound. The chemical equation below summarizes the process that occurs in the formation of rust.
4Fe + 3O2 + xH2O → 2Fe2O3.xH2O
Where
Fe represents iron metal
3O2 represents three molecules of oxygen gas.
xH2O represents some molecules of water (x can be any value) and
2Fe2O3.xH2O represents hydrated iron (III) oxide (rust).
From the equation above, it can be seen that both oxygen and water are necessary in the formation of rust.
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Apart from these factors above, some other chemicals highlighted below are known to increase the formation of rust.
CO2 + H20 → H2CO3
Where
CO2 represents carbon dioxide
H2O represents water and
H2CO3 represents carbonic acid.
Carbonic acid then dissociates (is split) to give hydrogen ion (H+) and bicarbonate ion (HCO3–). The bicarbonate ion formed attacks the iron and causes corrosion.
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When metals are alloyed into other forms, the rate at which corrosion occurs is totally slowed down. Metallic cups are made with steel rather than iron because of this purpose.
The best way of preventing rust in any form of metal is to keep it in a cool and dry place.
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