Question

Explain why rusting of iron is a electrochemical phenomenon

Answer 1

Rusting if iron is an phenomenal in which the oxygen and hudrogen combined together to give a peroxide in that iron and also the moisture in that air will make the iron piece to corrode early

Answer 2

Answer: Rusting of iron is a electrochemical phenomenon because rusting involves the formation of electrochemical cells on the surface of iron in which water act as the electrolyte.

Corrosion of iron is called as rusting. Rust is hydrated ferric oxide $(Fe_2O_3.xH_2O$.

It involves oxidation of metal which act as anode and the reduction of atmospheric gases in the presence of water and is called as cathode.

Oxidation at anode: $Fe\rightarrow Fe^{2+}+2e^-$

Reduction at cathode : $O_2+4H^++4e^-\rightarrow 2H_2O$

Overall reaction: $4Fe^{2+}+O_2+4H_2O\rightarrow 2Fe_2O_3+8H^+$

$Fe_2O_3+xH_2O\rightarrow Fe_2O_3.xH_2O$

Thus iron loses electrons and get converted to rust and lose its shine.