Nail Rusting

Ines Miraka
 Nail Rusting

Rusting occurs when a metal is exposed to oxygen. The rust is actually iron oxide and forms when the iron in the nail reacts with the oxygen in the air or in liquids. The molecules on the surface exchange atoms with the oxygen to create the reddish-brown ferrous oxide/rust.
In general, iron rusting is one of the most common types of chemical reactions. Rust specifically refers to oxides on iron or iron alloys, such as steel. Oxidation of other metals has other names. There is tarnish on silver and verdigris on copper, for example.
Most rust doesn’t occur in dry air since the air is only made of 20% oxygen. It usually occurs in moist air or under water. Preventing rust isn’t too difficult. 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.
There aren’t many more studies scientists can do only because we know the causes and prevention of iron rust. The chemical reaction we call the rusting process is actually being studied for formulas we could use in other chemical reactions such as cooking an egg for example.





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