Iron, metals & redox

• what happens to iron easily ?

  rusting
• when does rusting occur ?

  when iron is in contact with oxygen and water
• what type of reaction is rusting ?

  oxidation (gain of oxygen)
• what is the word equation for the rusting of iron ?

  Iron + Oxygen + Water -> Hydrated Iron (III) Oxide
• what are the two main ways in preventing rusting ?

  1. barrier methods
  2. sacrificial method
• what are the 2 barrier methods in rusting?

  • painting/coating with plastic
  • oiling/greasing
• what is the sacrificial method in rusting ?

  putting a more reactive metal with iron meaning the water and oxygen will react with the sacrificial metal instead of iron
• what is the material often used for the sacrificial method ?

  zinc
• what is oxidation ?

  the reaction or addition of oxygen
• what is reduction ?

  the removal of oxygen
• in an oxidation reaction the substance that oxidises the metal(AND BECOMES REDUCED) is the oxidising agent
• in a reduction reaction the substance that reduces the metal (AND BECOMES OXIDISED) is called the reducing agent