🦠 Why do some things rust?

Some things rust because they are made of metal, like iron or steel, and when they get wet or stay in the air for a long time, they start to change color and become weak. 🌧️

It's like when you leave a toy outside in the rain, and it gets all brown and yucky! That's rust!

Rust happens when metal, like iron or steel, reacts with oxygen and water. This reaction is called oxidation. Over time, the metal breaks down and turns into rust, which is weak and flaky. 🧪

Think of it like an apple turning brown after you take a bite—it's a similar kind of reaction!

Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air. This chemical reaction, called oxidation, forms iron oxide (rust), which weakens the metal. 🔬

Here’s how it works:

• Water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂) come into contact with iron (Fe).
• They react to form hydrated iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃·nH₂O), or rust.
• This process speeds up in salty or acidic environments, like near the ocean.

To prevent rust, metals can be coated with paint, oil, or zinc (galvanization).