Fast Rust
What 3 ingredients are needed for rust to occur.
1. Iron
2. Water
3. Oxygen from the air
Write a brief paragraph explaining the rusting process (why rusting occurs)
Rusting is an oxidation reaction. The iron reacts with water and oxygen to form hydrated iron oxide, which we see as rust. Iron and steel rust when they come into contact with water and oxygen – both are needed for rusting to occur.
How could you prevent something from rusting?
Use an Alloy: The use of alloys, like stainless steel, is one of the most common ways to prevent rust, or slow it down. Stainless steel isn’t suitable or economical for all applications, but it will work for many.
Apply Oil: A coating of oil will help to prevent rust or slow it down, since it inhibits moisture from reaching the iron in the metal. However, an oily surface might be problematic for some tools or machines and poses environmental and human health concerns.
Apply a Dry Coating: Special rust preventative products dry with no residue and form a protective barrier over metal parts and equipment. These are effective for products in use, in shipping, storage and more.
Paint the Metal: A good quality paint will slow down rusting by preventing moisture from reaching the metal.
Store Properly: Store metal parts or products in a low-moisture area, or inside a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to significantly slow down rust. Use of desiccant drying agents in this storage are also helpful.
Write 3 sentences explaining something new you’ve learned from this reading.
Rust forms when iron metal comes in contact with oxygen which causes a chemical reaction called oxidation. Rust is the reddish brown substance called iron oxide that is the result of this chemical reaction. The oxygen in water helps facilitate this process and allows you to identify which items rust.
Write down any new words you found in Fast Rust or the article about rust. Make sure you learn what the word means and write down a definition you understand for each new word.
Corrosion: A breakdown of materials due to a chemical action like rusting.
Alloy: A metal mixed with another element to make the metal stronger or more resistant to corrosion.
Corrode: To be eaten away by a chemical action (such as rusting.
Decomposition: Is when organic material breaks down from big pieces into tiny/microscopic pieces that can be used to help other life grow.
Galvanizing: To be subject to the action of an electric current.
Basidiomycete: Any of a group of higher fungi that have septate hyphae and spores borne on a basidium.