Hi

So, I have a project for school and I'd appreciate some help? thanks.

 

When will iron nails rust more rapidly?

 

Four options are:

1. Distilled water

2. adhydrous calcium chloride

3. Boilled distilled water and olive oil

4. distilled water and oxygen

 

Please help with this it's for a school project! THANKS.

Rusting requires moisture and oxygen

Edited April 14, 201015 yr by Newbies_Kid

I'm guessing number 3 would take the longest to induce rust but would seperate into two layers anyway. So why mix to begin with?

You could also introduce acid or salt as separate experiments. The acid would be relevant to acid rain conditions; the salt water would relate to conditions where metal structures are close to sea water. Also include a control with nothing in it except for air (ambient air conditions). It is a great experiment with so much that can be related to real life. Good luck.

Some types of iron nails were galvanized (coated with zinc) for corrosion protection. As a result, rusting will not occur although being immersed in oxygenated water because the mechanism we call passivation will protect the iron base. So, check the nails before proceeding with the experiment.

Anhydrous calcium chloride is a salt that is used to absorb water from the air. If left open to the atmosphere, it will absorb enough water to liquefy. If left closed, it will suck almost all moisture from the container it is in.

 

Rusting requires oxygen, and water is also needed for "normal" rusting.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust

I'd pick the 4th one: Oxidised water.

Mainly because of the oxygen;the iron cannot oxidise to become rust without it. I'm no expert though, don't put your trust in my opinion....