Question

a short process of a cycle rusted with iron​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Oxygen is a very good oxidizing agent whereas iron is a reducing agent. Therefore, the iron atom readily gives up electrons when exposed to oxygen. The chemical reaction is given by:

Fe → Fe2+ + 2e–

The oxidation state of iron is further increased by the oxygen atom when water is present.

4Fe2+ + O2 → 4Fe3+ + 2O2-

Now, the following acid-base reactions occur between the iron cations and the water molecules.

Fe2+ + 2H2O ⇌ Fe(OH)2 + 2H+

Fe3+ + 3H2O ⇌ Fe(OH)3 + 3H+

The hydroxides of iron are also formed from the direct reaction between the iron cations and hydroxide ions.

O2 + H2O + 4e– → 4OH–

Fe2+ + 2OH– → Fe(OH)2

Fe3+ + 3OH– → Fe(OH)3

The resulting hydroxides of iron now undergo dehydration to yield the iron oxides that constitute rust. This process involves many chemical reactions, some of which are listed below.

Fe(OH)2 ⇌ FeO + H2O

4Fe(OH)2 + O2 + xH2O → 2Fe2O3.(x+4)H2O

Fe(OH)3 ⇌ FeO(OH) + H2O

FeO(OH) ⇌ Fe2O3 + H2O

One similarity between all the chemical reactions listed above is that all of them are dependent on the presence of water and oxygen. Therefore, the rusting of iron can be controlled by limiting the amount of oxygen and water surrounding the metal.