Metal Corrosion: How Oxygen Affects the Rate of Corrosion in a Wet/Dry Case

Overview

Objectives The objective of this project is to measure the rate of corrosion in a wet/dry case in which the wet area of a given metal remains constant while the dry area exposed to air/oxygen varies. Methods Multiple iron and zinc nails of different sizes were partially submerged in an acid solution (white vinegar at 5% acidity) keeping the wet area constant and systematically varying the area exposed to air/oxygen. Once measurable amounts of rust were formed, the nails were removed from the solution and the rust was weighed using a precision scale. Multiple trials were performed to establish validity. Results Several nails of iron and zinc were tested for corrosion in white vinegar at a constant wet area and with the area exposed to oxygen varying. In a wet/dry metal corrosion case, the amount of rust formed in the area exposed to air/oxygen varies directly with the total dry area. Conclusions Repeated trials with multiple nails revealed that in a wet/dry metal corrosion case, the total area of a metal exposed to air/oxygen (dry area) varies directly with the corrosion rate.

Awards (1)

• Honorable Mention

Competition history

• CSEF 2019 Chemistry · Entry J0624

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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