Introduction: In this experiment, the rusting of iron nails in various liquids is investigated to
understand the factors influencing corrosion. The aim is to observe how different
environments affect the oxidation of iron and to draw conclusions about rust prevention
methods.
Materials/Apparatus
8 plastic containers
8 iron nails
Liquids: tap water, oil, vinegar, calamansi juice, soapy water, salty water, alcohol
Safety goggles and gloves
Methods/Procedure
1. Fill 7 containers with different liquids and leave 1 empty.
2. Submerge an iron nail in each container.
3. Observe and record rust formation daily for 7 days.
4. Take photos on days 1, 4, and 7.
Data Collected
Liquids Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
Tap Water No rust Slight rust More rust Rusty Rustier Rustiest Rustiest
Oil No rust No rust No rust No rust No rust No rust No rust
Vinegar No rust Slight rust More rust Rusty Rustier Rustiest Second rustiest
Calamansi Juice No rust Slight rust More rust Rusty Rustier Rustiest Third rustiest
Soapy Water No rust Slight rust More rust Rusty Rustier Rustiest Fourth rustiest
Salty Water No rust Slight rust More rust Rusty Rustier Rustiest Fifth rustiest
Alcohol No rust No rust No rust No rust No rust No rust No rust
Questions:
1.What is the chemical name of rust? Iron (III) oxide or Ferric oxide
2.What is the chemical name for the process of rusting? Oxidation Process
3.What is needed for rusting to occur? iron, oxygen, and water.
4.What can make iron rust faster? Water and Oxygen
5. How can rusting be prevented? Applying oil or greasing.
6.What are the different factors that affect corrosion? State some further factors about
corrosion that you would like to investigate in the future?
Corrosion is influenced by factors such as temperature, pH value, ionic concentration, presence of gases, and
corrosion inhibitors. Our future investigations will focus on material composition, environmental factors,
surface treatments, microbial influence, and long-term effects to gain a deeper understanding of corrosion
mechanisms and develop more effective mitigation strategies.
7.What did you think would happen in your experiment?
We expected the nails to rust differently based on their environments. Water would cause rust, salt would
accelerate it, and dry conditions or protective measures would prevent it.
8.What observations did you record? How did you record them?
In the experiment, observations were recorded by visually inspecting the iron nails in different liquids daily and
noting the degree of rust formation. The data was compiled into a table to track changes over time and
compare the effects of the liquids. Photographs were also taken on days 1, 4, and 7 to document the
progression of rust.
9.What conclusion did you draw from your observations?
The conclusion drawn from the observations was that the presence of moisture and corrosive substances
accelerates the rusting process, while protective coatings like oil and non-reactive environments like alcohol
can prevent rust formation.
10. Were there any problems associated with your experimental design. How do you
think that you could overcome these problems?
The experimental design had a limited scope, focusing only on a few factors affecting corrosion. To overcome
this, future experiments could explore a wider range of variables, such as temperature, microorganisms,
surface finishes, and UV radiation, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the corrosion process.
11. Comment on the importance of being able to reduce corrosion of substances.
Reducing corrosion is crucial as it prolongs material lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures
safety and integrity.
12. List some items in your home that can undergo corrosion.
metal utensils, pipes, appliances, tools, door handles, and outdoor furniture made of iron or steel.
13. Research and describe the different ways to prevent the corrosion of iron. Explain
how each method prevents the corrosion of the iron.
To prevent iron corrosion, methods include galvanization, cathodic protection, coatings like paint or
oil, alloying with chromium or nickel, and bluing. These methods isolate iron from corrosive
elements, provide cathodic protection, or form protective oxide layers.
Documentation
Liquids Day 1 Day 4 Day 7
Tap Water
Oil
Vinegar
Calamansi Juice
Soapy Water
Salty Water
Alcohol
