Rust
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(→What is rust?) |
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Rust is an electro-chemical corrosion that occurs in the presence of iron, oxygen, and water. Oxygen and water are available in the open air, and iron is the principal ingredient in steel. | Rust is an electro-chemical corrosion that occurs in the presence of iron, oxygen, and water. Oxygen and water are available in the open air, and iron is the principal ingredient in steel. | ||
| − | + | Chemically, rust is known as Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>. | |
Rust is commonly referred to as ''iron oxide''. An oxide is a type of chemical compound that contains oxygen and other elements. Iron, with the chemical symbol of Fe, combines with oxygen, O, to produce sixteen known iron oxides. ''(What's the exact definition of an oxide here?)'' . Oxides are typically formed when elements come into contact with air, through a process known as oxidation. Oxides are common, forming most of the earth's crust. When iron (or steel, which contains mostly iron) is exposed to air, it combines with the oxygen in the air, and forms the iron oxide known as rust. | Rust is commonly referred to as ''iron oxide''. An oxide is a type of chemical compound that contains oxygen and other elements. Iron, with the chemical symbol of Fe, combines with oxygen, O, to produce sixteen known iron oxides. ''(What's the exact definition of an oxide here?)'' . Oxides are typically formed when elements come into contact with air, through a process known as oxidation. Oxides are common, forming most of the earth's crust. When iron (or steel, which contains mostly iron) is exposed to air, it combines with the oxygen in the air, and forms the iron oxide known as rust. | ||
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| + | Fe2O3 is also known as the mineral hematite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematite . | ||
Other metals oxidize, but their oxidation is not referred to as rust. For example, when aluminum oxidates, it forms a protective, corrosion-resistant coating that looks a lot like un-oxidized aluminum. Zinc's oxide is similar, which is why it is used for galvanizing. | Other metals oxidize, but their oxidation is not referred to as rust. For example, when aluminum oxidates, it forms a protective, corrosion-resistant coating that looks a lot like un-oxidized aluminum. Zinc's oxide is similar, which is why it is used for galvanizing. | ||
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