Describe the factors affecting rusting and methods to prevent rusting.
Answers
Explanation:
Many types of coatings can be applied to the surface of the exposed metal in order to prevent corrosion. Common examples of coatings that prevent corrosion include paints, wax tapes, and varnish. Smaller objects are coated with water-displacing oils that prevent the rusting of the object.
Factors affecting rusting :
Moisture: The corrosion of iron is limited to the availability of water in the environment. Exposure to rains is the most common reason for rusting.
Acid: if the pH of the environment surrounding the metal is low, the rusting process is quickened. The rusting of iron speeds up when it is exposed to acid rains. Higher pH inhibits the corrosion of iron.
Salt: Iron tends to rust faster in the sea, due to the presence of various salts. Saltwater contains many ions that speed up the rusting process via electrochemical reactions.
Impurity: Pure iron tends to rust more slowly when compared to iron containing a mixture of metals.
Methods to prevent rusting :
Galvanization : Galvanization is the process of applying a protective layer of zinc on a metal. It is a very common method of preventing the rusting of iron.
Cathodic Protection : Providing the metals with an electric charge can help inhibit the electrochemical reactions that lead to rusting.
Coatings : Many types of coatings can be applied to the surface of the exposed metal in order to prevent corrosion. Common examples of coatings that prevent corrosion include paints, wax tapes, and varnish.