How To Prove That Rusting Takes Place in Moist Air
When oxygen comes into contact with iron and water, it causes the iron atoms to lose electrons to the oxygen atoms.The process is called oxidation.It doesn't take a lot of water to oxidize iron.An experiment can show oxidation of iron.You only need iron nails, cotton, water, and calcium chloride.
Step 1: You should gather your materials.
You will need 2 test tubes, a test tube holder, iron nails, wool cotton, and water.It is possible to use clear plastic cups as a substitute for test tubes.You would need to use larger pieces of wool cotton, like the cotton batting used in furniture cushions.Rock salt is also known as ice melt.They can be found at any home goods store.Home improvement stores with dehumidifiers are often where calcium chloride crystals can be found.The size of the nails doesn't matter.It's important to make sure that 2 nails fit inside of the test tube.The majority of nails are made of iron.Don't use iron nails that are covered in another coating.
Step 2: The test tubes need to be labeled.
On the test tubes, write the letters A and B.Tubes A and B will be your control and experimental groups.The test tubes should be in the test tube holder.
Step 3: Control and experimental groups can be recorded.
You can record your observations over the course of the next couple of days by keeping these notes.This can be done in a lab notebook or on a chart.The goal is to keep the test tubes the same.
Step 4: You should make a control group.
There are 2 dry nails in the bottom of the test tube.The wool cotton should be on top of the nails.
Step 5: Make a group.
If you want to place your test tubes next to each other, place 2 moistened nails in the bottom of the test tube labeled "B."They should be exposed to the same air.Do not use cotton or calcium chloride to cover your wet nails.The nails should be exposed to air.
Step 6: You should observe your experiment.
You can record your observations over the next week.The nails in tube A should remain rust-free, while the nails on tube B should begin to rust.You can expect to see results within 24 hours.You can record your observations.
Step 7: Try a few different variations of the experiment.
If you get different results, mix up the conditions of the experiment.You could try to make a third tube with wet nails, but cover them with cotton and calcium chloride crystals.If you want to make a tube with dry nails, leave them exposed to the air.Take a look at the nails in the containers with different conditions and see how quickly they rust compared to the ones in tubes A and B.
Step 8: Understand what causes rust.
A chemical reaction called oxidation causes rust.Iron atoms lose electrons when it comes into contact with oxygen in the air.The iron must come into contact with water in order for it to oxidize.The smallest amount of water is enough to oxidize.
Step 9: Take a look at your control group.
The nails in the test tube were dry.The nails went into the test tube dry and you added calcium chloride crystals to the tube to absorb any water that may have come into contact with the nails below the wool cotton.
Step 10: Evaluate your experimental group.
You should see that the nails in the test tube started to rust.They came into contact with the air that entered the test tube.The rate of oxidation is increased by the contact with the moist air.Oxygen will allow rust to form even in a dry environment.The oxidation process can occur faster if there is a more favorable setting.There is a humidifier in the room.Your results should intensify.