Rust
(→What is rust?) |
(→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 happens more quickly with salt in the air, because salted air is a better electrolyte, speeding up the electro-chemical corrosion of iron. | 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 happens more quickly with salt in the air, because salted air is a better electrolyte, speeding up the electro-chemical corrosion of iron. | ||
| − | Iron, with the chemical symbol of Fe, combines with oxygen, O, to form Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, the chemical formula for common reddish-brown rust. In its mineral form, | + | Iron, with the chemical symbol of Fe, combines with oxygen, O, to form Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, the chemical formula for common reddish-brown rust. In its mineral form, Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> is known as hematite. |
Rust is commonly referred to as ''iron oxide''. An oxide is a type of chemical compound that contains oxygen and other elements (like nitrous oxide, N<sub>2</sub>O). 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. Elements can have multiple oxides. For example, there are sixteen known iron oxides. Thus, it's more accurate to say that rust is '''an''' iron oxide, rather than saying that rust '''is''' iron oxide. | Rust is commonly referred to as ''iron oxide''. An oxide is a type of chemical compound that contains oxygen and other elements (like nitrous oxide, N<sub>2</sub>O). 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. Elements can have multiple oxides. For example, there are sixteen known iron oxides. Thus, it's more accurate to say that rust is '''an''' iron oxide, rather than saying that rust '''is''' iron oxide. | ||
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