Rusting and Corrosion

How iron rusts and how we prevent it. Galvanising, painting, stainless steel. Class 7 Science with quiz.

Class 7 ScienceClass 7 / Grade 7Ages 9–12
Lesson
🟤 Rusting and Corrosion
Rusting destroys billions of dollars of metal!🔩Iron (Fe)+ O₂ + H₂O🟤Iron oxide (rust)Fe₂O₃·H₂ONeeds both oxygen AND water — remove either to prevent!Salt water speeds up rusting dramatically

Rusting is a chemical change in which iron reacts with both oxygen and water to form iron oxide — rust. The chemical formula of rust is iron two oxide trihydrate. Rust is a reddish-brown flaky substance that is much weaker than iron. Rusting is an enormous economic problem — ships, bridges, railways, and buildings are all damaged by rust. Salt water dramatically speeds up the process, which is why coastal and marine structures are especially vulnerable.

Frequently asked questions

More lessons