Corrosion: The Chemical Process of Oxidation-Reduction

Every element in the periodic table falls into one category of metals, non-metals or metalloids. Metals are the most common type and they are defined by certain chemical and physical properties. Metals can be narrowed down by looking at their chemical properties. They have positive valences, which means that they give electrons to the atoms they bond with. Giving negative electrons away makes the metals form cations. (BrainPop) As metals form cations, they are able to oxidize and this makes them prone to corroding when exposed to dampness.

Corrosion is the deterioration of materials as a result of a chemical reaction. The most commonly referred to corrosion is the process of rusting. Rusting is harmful as it negatively affects the physical properties of the metals. A corroded piece of iron is not durable, malleable, and will no longer provide functionality. Most metals rust, but the rate at which they corrode is different. Metals like Aluminum seem to resist corrosion, but the metal iron corrodes rapidly. (Nimmo, Bill. PDF) Iron alloys such as steel rust when they come into contact with oxygen and water. Oxygen and water are required for rusting to occur, and when the two are in contact with iron, an oxidation reaction takes place to form rust. The term “oxidation” refers to the gain of oxygen in a substance. The element whose atoms bond with oxygen atoms are said to be oxidized. For example: magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide

2Mg + O2→ 2MgO

In this case, magnesium is said to be oxidized as it has bonded with oxygen to form magnesium oxide. (BBC News. BBC)

“Reduction” on the other hand, is the loss of oxygen in a substance. Many metals can be extracted from their ores using reduction methods. For example, copper oxide can be r...

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...ing the rusting of iron, or buying iron alloys that don’t corrode, would impact the society better environmentally, economically and socially.

Works Cited

BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 22 May 2014. .

"Corrosion and the Environment." Lehigh. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2014. .

"Metals." BrainPOP. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .

Nimmo, Bill, and Gareth Hinds. Beginners Guide to Corrosion. N.p.: n.p., n.d. PDF.

"Return to RideAccidents.com." RideAccidents.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2014. .

"Water Main Repair Costs." Home Advisor. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2014. .