answersLogoWhite

0

Rust is essentially oxidation, or a chemical interaction involving oxygen. When oxidation occurs in some elements, a thin film is formed as a result--such as the green layer that copper acquires. Other elements, such as iron, show rust as evidence of oxidation. If iron--or metal related to iron--is exposed to an environment both oxygen-rich and friendly toward the catalyst, then the oxidation process will begin. Molecules of iron at the surface of the iron object will exchange atoms with the oxygen in the air, and what atoms are left will form a new substance, the reddish-brown rust.

Oxidation is an electrochemical process that acts somewhat like a battery, exchanging small amounts of electricity. Like batteries, a solution helps this process by allowing electrons to move more easily between the two elements, and also like batteries, different solutions work better than others. Water takes some of the atoms and changes them into a light form of acid as the oxidation process continues, which helps metal rust even faster.

This acidic transformation occurs with pure water, but when the water is already salty it starts out as a minor acid and becomes an even more powerful electrolyte, facilitating the rusting process. There is then a hierarchy in the rust process. Rust does not easily form in dry climate, but in a wet climate the oxygen can access the metal more easily through the water vapor, and rust occurs much faster. Pure water forms an acidic solution and allows the oxidation process to happen more easily, and salty water works even better since it is already a catalyst. Prime rust conditions occur when the metal is regularly exposed to salt water and air.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Will iron rust faster in salt water or fresh water?

Iron will rust more quickly in salt water than fresh freshwater. The salt in the water accelerates the corrosion process.


Why do coins rust faster in salt water than fresh water?

Modern coins cannot rust, as they are not made of iron.


Which water rust a coin faster salt or fresh water?

salt will rust the coin faster thanfresh water


Which liquids rust faster?

Liquids do not rust, iron does, rust is Hydrated Iron (III) oxide, so the only substance which can rust iron is water


Does iron nail rust faster in salt water or fresh water?

Salt water speeds up the rate of rust. Seaside houses often have rusted fences and decorative iron work whereas the same iron work lasts much longer inland.


What water makes iron rust faster?

Salt water.


What liquid causes an iron nail to rust faster water or coke?

coke will make it rust faster


Will coins rust faster in salt water or in fresh water?

Yes they will.


Does 20 gauge galvannealed steel rust faster in salt water or fresh water?

20 gauge galvannealed steel will rust faster in salt water compared to fresh water. The presence of salt in salt water accelerates the corrosion process of the metal, leading to faster rust formation.


What added factors can cause iron to rust faster?

water


Does an iron nail rust faster in salt or tap water?

An iron nail will rust faster in saltwater than in tap water. This is because saltwater is conductive and accelerates the rusting process by promoting the flow of electrons between the iron nail and oxygen in the water.


Does iron rust when not in water?

Iron and steel rust when they come into contact with water and oxygen. They rust faster in salty water or acid rain