General Science • ChemistryMedium
What is the primary chemical process that occurs during the rusting of iron exposed to moist atmospheric air?
A. Reduction of iron to its native metallic state
B. Oxidation of iron by oxygen in the presence of moisture forming hydrated iron oxide✓ Correct Answer
C. Thermal decomposition of iron carbonate into iron oxide and carbon dioxide
D. Neutralization of acidic impurities on the iron surface by water
💡 Solution & Explanation
Rusting is an electrochemical oxidation-reduction process wherein iron metal loses electrons to oxygen in the presence of water molecules, resulting in the formation of flaky hydrated ferric oxide represented as Fe2O3 dot xH2O. Galvanization prevents this by coating iron with a sacrificial layer of zinc. Rusting weakens structural integrity and causes massive economic loss annually.
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