INTRODUCTION
Rusting is a slow chemical process where iron reacts with air and
moisture to form a reddish-brown substance called rust. It
weakens iron objects over time. This experiment aims to study
how different conditions like water, air, and salt affect rusting, and
how we can protect iron from corrosion in daily life .
MATERIAL REQUIRED
Iron nails (identical in size and shape)
Test tubes or small containers
Water
Salt
Oil
Boiled water
Air-tight container or rubber stopper
Labels
Cotton wool
THEORY
Rusting is a slow chemical reaction in which iron
reacts with oxygen and moisture from the
environment to form iron oxide, commonly known
as rust.
Fe (iron) + O₂ (oxygen) + H₂O (water) → Fe₂O₃·xH₂O
(hydrated iron oxide or rust)
Different environmental conditions—such as dry air,
salt water, or the absence of oxygen—affect the
rate of this reaction. By altering these conditions,
we can observe changes in how quickly and
severely rusting occurs. This helps us understand
the factors that promote or inhibit rusting, which is
essential for protecting iron structures in daily life.
PROCEDURE
Control (Air and Water): Place an iron nail in a test tube with tap water
exposed to air.
Salt Water: Place an iron nail in salt water to test the effect of salt.
No Water (Dry Air): Place a nail in a dry container (no water or
moisture).
Boiled Water + Oil Layer (No Air): Fill a test tube with boiled water (to
remove oxygen), add a nail, and add a layer of oil on top to prevent air
entry.
No Air, Moist Environment: Place a nail wrapped in moist cotton wool
inside an air-tight container.
Label all test tubes and leave them undisturbed for several days.
OBSERVATION TABLE
Tes Conditions Contents Rustin Extent Remarks
t g of
Tub Observ rusting
e ed
No. (yes/
no)
1. Air + Tap Iron nail + Tap Yes Moderate Normal
water water rusting
2. Salt Water Iron nail + salt Yes High Salt
water accelerate
d rusting
3. Dry Air Iron nail in dry No Water is
(no water ) test tube None necessary
for rust
4.
PRECAUTIONS
Use clean and dry test tubes to avoid contamination.
Ensure iron nails are of the same size and condition
for fairness.
Label all test tubes clearly to avoid confusion.
Keep test tubes undisturbed during the observation
period.
Use boiled water immediately and seal with oil to
prevent oxygen re-entry.
Handle glassware carefully to avoid breakage or
injury.
CONCLUSION
The experiment demonstrates that both water and oxygen are
essential for the rusting of iron. Moderate rusting occurred when
the iron nail was exposed to air and tap water, confirming the
need for both elements. The nail in salt water showed heavy
rusting, indicating that salt accelerates rusting by increasing
water's conductivity. No rusting was observed in dry air (no
water) or in boiled water covered with oil (no oxygen), proving
that the absence of either factor prevents rusting. Slight rusting
in moist cotton (limited air) showed that minimal oxygen can
still support the reaction. These results highlight that the rate of
rusting varies with environmental conditions and is highest in
the presence of salt, water, and air. Therefore, to prevent rusting
and corrosion, iron objects should be protected from moisture
and oxygen, especially in coastal or humid areas where
conditions are favorable for faster rust formation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[Link] – Articles on corrosion
and environmental effects
[Link] – Articles: “Rusting of Iron,”
“Corrosion,” and “Iron Oxide”
[Link] – "Rust" and related
chemical reactions
Chemistry Notes from CBSE Science Portal
Indian Journal of Chemical Education (for deeper
insights into corrosion prevention)
YouTube videos (e.g., “Rusting of Iron
Experiment” by Learn with Science)
