3.

2 Rusting as a Redox Reaction

Corrosion of Metals

Corrosion of metal is a redox reaction in which oxidation and reduction

When a metal is exposed to air, it will be oxidized by oxygen.
Metal atoms lose electrons to form ions in oxide form.

M Mn+ + ne (oxidation loss of

The properties of ions formed vary from the original metal atoms.
The metal is corroded.

Electrochemical series and corrosion of metals

The higher the position of the metal in the electrochemical series, the m

Example:

Aluminium is more electropositive t

Rusting of iron
Rusting of iron
Rusting is the corrosion of iron.
Rusting is a redox reaction in which the oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.
Requires water and oxygen.

Corrosion of metals and electrochemical series

Electrochemical corrosion

Corrosion of a metal associated with the flow of electric current in an electrolyte

Electrochemical corrosion is a redox reaction in which the oxidation and reduction occ
When two metals with different electropositivity come into contact in the presence of a

Electrochemical corrosion and rusting of iron

When iron is in contact with a more electropositive metal, rusting is pr

When iron is in contact with a less electropositive metal, rusting is acce

Effect of other metals on iron rusting

Iron in contact with a more electropositive metal

Iron does not corrode if it is in contact with a more electropositive meta

Example: Galvanization of iron with a layer of zinc

Zinc is more electropositive than iro

Zinc act as the negative terminal and
Zn Zn2+ + 2e (oxidation red

Electrons released flow to the iron an

Electron flow to iron, gained by oxy
O2 + 2H2O + 4e OH (Reductio

Example: Galvanization of iron with a layer of zinc

Tin is less electropositive than iron.

Iron act as the negative terminal and
Fe Fe2+ + 2e (oxidation redu
Electrons released flow to the tin and
Electron flow to tin, gained by oxyge
O2 + 2H2O + 4e OH (Reductio

Preventing the rusting of iron

Methods of preventing rust

Surface protection

Greasing and oiling will protect the moving par

Painting, plastic coating, or varnishing will pro
Metal plating with Cr, Ag, Au, Cu, and Sn will

Electrochemical protection

Zinc metal is generally used for protecting iron an

When a zinc coating is scratched the iron is still p

Alloying

By mixing iron with certain metals, alloys which a

Sacrificial protection

If electrons are supplied to iron, it will not rust.

By attaching a metal higher in the reactivity series

Underground pipelines are protected in this way. B