Question

Solve: Iron$\left(\mathrm{Fe}\right)+$ oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)+$water$\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)=?$

Answer 1

Rusting:

• When iron comes into contact with oxygen and water, ferric oxide, sometimes known as rust, forms.
• The balanced chemical reaction can be represented as:

$\underset{\mathrm{Iron}}{4\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\mathrm{x}.\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Ferric}\mathrm{oxide}\left(\mathrm{Rust}\right)}{2{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.{\mathrm{xH}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$

• Rust is created as a result of a redox reaction between oxygen and iron in a water-rich environment, such as high-moisture air.
• The development of a layer of a red, flaky material that easily crumbles into powder characterizes the rusting of iron.
• A coat of oil will help to prevent or slow the rusting process. Good quality paint will also aid to reduce the rusting process by preventing moisture from reaching the metal.

Therefore, $\underset{\mathrm{Iron}}{4\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\mathrm{x}.\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Ferric}\mathrm{oxide}\left(\mathrm{Rust}\right)}{2{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.{\mathrm{xH}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$ is the complete reaction when Iron reacts with Oxygen and Water.