2007-01-09 09:38:53 · 7 answers · asked by spencermoran 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Coca-cola. The acid and carbonation in it will dissolve iron in no time. This is why soda cans are lined on the inside to protect it from eating away the metal as it sits on store shelves. It's a pretty neat and disturbing experiment to see an iron nail get eaten by a soft drink.
2007-01-09 09:52:30 · answer #1 · answered by mktgurl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Oxygen; Water is a supply of oxygen, so iron rusts fastest when it gets wet.
Electrochemical Reactions
Iron left out in the rain results in a specific kind of corrosion. It’s called an electrochemical reaction, meaning there is an electrical change. Here’s how that works:
For two iron atoms to really interlock with three oxygen atoms and make iron, they have to share some electrons, which releases a few electrons. Since electricity is just a flow of electrons, those free electrons become a little bit of electricity when the chemical change takes place.
Remember the iron wants to corrode into iron oxide because that is its natural, most stable state. And all it needs for this to take place is oxygen. Water is a supply of oxygen, so iron rusts fastest when it gets wet. You knew that already but now you know why. And that same scenario applies to aluminum and aluminum oxide. Those are the deep, dark secrets of corrosion as they apply to metals. Those are also the basics of an electrochemical reaction, which is known as galvanic corrosion. All galvanic corrosion is an electrical reaction. Not all electrochemical reactions, however, are galvanic corrosion.
2007-01-09 10:01:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to speed up rusting in water pass an electric current through the Iron.
Iron doesn't rust quickly when submerged in pure water. You need air as well. Try it and see.
2007-01-10 08:38:27 · answer #3 · answered by black sheep 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Makes Iron Rust Faster
2017-02-24 06:22:52 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u expose it (no paints,no galvanisation etc)
when the relative humidity(100%) is the highest(rainy season) then it will rust fastest
2007-01-09 09:43:38 · answer #5 · answered by Subhash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pam is right. I was going to answer "Oxygen and Water" but she has it detailed.
2007-01-09 11:24:44 · answer #6 · answered by intrepid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just use Corten steel... it's pre-rusted... salt water air would help also...
2007-01-09 09:42:43 · answer #7 · answered by bilko_ca 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋