Rusting_and_Corrison_of_a_Nail

Rusting and Corrosion of a nail Corrosion and rust is one of the problems that cost industries million of dollars every year. To prevent this costly dilemma companies must understand this natural process and how to delay it. This investigation will determine two key factors in the rate of this reaction. The factors will be the amount of salt and water, the nails are placed in. Corrosion or rusting is an iron or metal attempting to return to into its original or natural state. Most companies use iron to build bridges, building etc. Different types of iron they may use include cast iron or wrought, and pig iron. Cast iron is an iron alloy that contains 2-4% carbon, and 1-3% silicon. Wrought iron is practically a pure metal, which can resist corrosion more so than cast iron. Pig iron contains 93% iron and 3-4% carbon and a few other elements. The formula of rust can be represented as Fe2O3 x H2O. Aim: Hypothesis: The nails in salt water will rust faster, then the one in normal water. Equipment: * 4 glass test tubes * 4 iron nails * Test tube rack * Stirring rod * Tap water * Beaker * Teasers * Filter paper Method: 1. Pour 100ml of water into beaker. Add ¼ of salt and stir. 2. Pour into testable 3. Label test tube ‘1/4 salt’ and place in test tube rack 4. Repeat step 1&2, adding ½ of salt instead. 5. Label test tube ‘1/2 salt’ and place in rack. 6. Repeat 1&2, adding 1 tablespoon of salt instead. 7. Label test tube ‘1 salt’ and place in rack. 8. Pour 100ml of water into test tube. 9. Label test tube ‘no salt’ and place in test tube rack. 10. Let test tubes sit for 5 days. Record progress each day. 11. Day 5 pour test tube into a beaker using filter paper. 12. Let filter paper dry. 13. Compare rust on each piece of paper.