what is rusting of iron ? what are the electrolytic process to decrease the chances of rusting?
Answers
Rusting of iron :
Rusting of iron refers to the formation of rust, a mixture of iron oxides, on the surface of iron objects or structures. This rust is formed from a redox reaction between oxygen and iron in an environment containing water (such as air containing high levels of moisture). The rusting of iron is characterized by the formation of a layer of a red, flaky substance that easily crumbles into a powder.
Rusting of Iron
This phenomenon is a great example of the corrosion of metals, where the surfaces of metals are degraded into more chemically stable oxides. However, the term ‘rusting’ is generally used to refer to the corrosion of objects made of iron or iron-alloys.
What is the Chemistry Behind the Rusting of Iron?
The exposure of iron (or an alloy of iron) to oxygen in the presence of moisture leads to the formation of rust. This reaction is not instantaneous, it generally proceeds over a considerably large time frame. The oxygen atoms bond with iron atoms, resulting in the formation of iron oxides. This weakens the bonds between the iron atoms in the object/structure.
The reaction of the rusting of iron involves an increase in the oxidation state of iron, accompanied by a loss of electrons. Rust is mostly made up of two different oxides of iron that vary in the oxidation state of the iron atom. These oxides are:
Iron(II) oxide or ferrous oxide. The oxidation state of iron in this compound is +2 and its chemical formula is FeO.
Iron(III) oxide or ferric oxide, where the iron atom exhibits an oxidation state of +3. The chemical formula of this compound is Fe2O3.
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.
Hope it helps... ❣️
Answer:
Explanation:
(i) Due to moisture and various components of
atmosphere, oxidation of iron takes place.
(ii) A certain type of reddish coloured solid layer
collects on the iron surface. This layer is called rust.
(iii) The chemical formula is Fe2
O3
. xH2
O.