2006-11-21 05:58:31 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Depends on what you mean by "rust". The term "rust" as normally used refers to Ferric Oxide, the common orange/red oxide of iron. In that sense, zinc does not rust. However. zinc does oxidize on contact with air, forming zinc oxide. This is a much slower process than with iron, and also, whereas ferric oxide is a flaky, crumbly material, which separates from the iron easily, always exposing a new surface to be oxidized, zinc oxide adheres tightly to the zinc itself, so the oxide layer is only one molecule thick.
2006-11-21 06:07:25 · answer #1 · answered by JIMBO 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rust means combines with Oxygen to form an Oxide. So, technically anything that can Oxidize, rusts. Yes, Zinc, forming Zinc Oxide does rust. Not nearly as fast as Iron however.
2006-11-21 10:53:20 · answer #2 · answered by Michael K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All Metals Oxidize.
Some metals more than others. Gold the least, Iron the most.
Zinc is low in the Oxidation state.
See the following link for comparisons:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transition_metal
Chow
2006-11-21 12:48:40 · answer #3 · answered by Mav 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it does oxidize sometimes, sort of like rusting, you get a white powder, zinc oxide
2006-11-21 06:00:50 · answer #4 · answered by kurticus1024 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all metals do not rust! aluminum doesent:) zinc give a white powder
2006-11-21 10:30:23 · answer #5 · answered by Nick the Nerd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all metals can and will rust under the right conditions.
2006-11-21 06:02:17 · answer #6 · answered by joe pilot 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so
2006-11-21 09:59:44 · answer #7 · answered by Daniel T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋