Rusting of Iron

Rusting of Iron When iron is exposed to moist air for a long time it acquires a reddish brown powder coat. The reddish brown powder formed on iron in the presence of moist air is hydrated iron oxide and is called rust. This is called rusting of iron. Activity: 1. Take three test tubes and place clean iron nails in each of them. 2. Test tubes are labeled A, B and C. 3. In the test tube A pour some water and cork it. 4. Pour boiled distilled water in test tube B, and about 1 ml of oil is added before corking it. The oil will float on the water and prevent the air from dissolving in water. 5. Add anhydrous calcium chloride in test tube C and cork it. Anhydrous calcium chloride will absorb the moisture from the air present in the test tube. 6. Keep these three test tubes aside for 2 to 3 days. Observation:  Nails placed in test tube A are rusted because of the presence of air and water.  Nails in test tube B do not get rusted because air was prevented from reacting with iron.  Nails in test tube C do not get rusted because nails are only exposed to dry air. Anhydrous calcium chloride will absorb the moisture present in the test tube. Conclusion: Both air and water are essential for rusting in iron to take place. Thanks for watching our video. Smart Scholar Science Experiments Science Projects