Question

observation of rusting of iron​

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

The Old Thermodynamist says:

In the presence of both air and water (humid air or water with dissolved oxygen), the reaction for rusting of iron or steel is:

4Fe + 3H2O(l) + 3O2(g) = Fe2O3•H2O + FeO•OH + Fe(OH)3

Change in Free Energy: ΔG(20C) = -1461.5kJ (negative, so the reaction runs)

Change in Enthalpy: ΔH(20C) = -1652.0kJ (negative, so the reaction is exothermic)

The “red rust” that you observe is the Fe2O3•H2O