Bicol University

Bicol University
College of Engineering
Legazpi City
AY 2022 – 2023

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Experiment 3 in Chemistry for Engineers:

RUSTING OF NAILS

CERIO, CHRISTIAN KENT G.

FERNANDEZ, JOHN KYLO
HILOMA, JOSHUA FRED
MADRIDANO LESTER
REBAYA, ARSENIO III

Engr. Junjun A. Pajara

Instructor
 Chem 11 – Chemistry for Engineers
Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

I. INTRODUCTION

An oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction is a type of chemical reaction that involves a

transfer of electrons between two species. An oxidation-reduction reaction is any chemical
reaction in which the oxidation number of a molecule, atom, or ion changes by gaining or losing
an electron. The term covers a large and diverse body of processes. Many oxidation-reduction
reactions are as common and familiar as fire, the rusting and dissolution of metals, the browning
of fruit, and respiration and photosynthesis were basic life functions. Most oxidation-reduction
(redox) processes involve the transfer of oxygen atoms, hydrogen atoms, or electrons, with all
three processes sharing two important characteristics: (1) they are coupled i.e., in any oxidation
reaction a reciprocal reduction occurs, and (2) they involve a characteristic net chemical
change. Redox processes are defined as reactions accompanied by oxidation-state changes:
an increase in an atom’s oxidation number corresponds to oxidation; a decrease, to a reduction.
In this generalized theory, three examples of ways in which oxidation-state changes can occur
are by oxygen-atom (gain, oxidation; loss, reduction), hydrogen-atom (loss, oxidation; gain,
reduction), and electron (loss, oxidation; gain, reduction) transfer. The oxidation state of any
atom is indicated by a roman numeral following the name or symbol of the element. Redox
reactions are common and vital to some of the basic functions of life, including photosynthesis,
respiration, combustion, and corrosion or rusting.
Rusting of iron refers to the formation of rust, a mixture of iron oxides, on the surface of
iron objects or structures. This rust is formed from a redox reaction between oxygen and iron in
an environment containing water (such as air containing high levels of moisture). The rusting of
iron is characterized by the formation of a layer of a red, flaky substance that easily crumbles
into a powder. This phenomenon is a great example of the corrosion of metals, where the
surfaces of metals are degraded into more chemically stable oxides. However, the term ‘rusting’
is generally used to refer to the corrosion of objects made of iron or iron alloys. During a redox
reaction, some species undergo oxidation, or the loss of electrons, while others undergo
reduction or the gain of electrons. For example, consider the reaction between iron and oxygen
to form rust: The exposure of iron (or an alloy of iron) to oxygen in the presence of moisture
leads to the formation of rust. This reaction is not instantaneous; it generally proceeds over a
considerably large time frame. The oxygen atoms bond with iron atoms, resulting in the
formation of iron oxides. This weakens the bonds between the iron atoms in the object/structure.
Many factors speed up the rusting of iron, such as the moisture content in the
environment and the pH of the surrounding area. Some of these factors are Moisture, Acid, Salt,
and Impurity. The corrosion of iron is limited to the availability of water in the environment.
Exposure to rain is the most common reason for rusting. If the pH of the environment
surrounding the metal is low, the rusting process is quickened. The rusting of iron speeds up
when it is exposed to acid rain Higher pH inhibits the corrosion of iron. Iron tends to rust faster
in the sea, due to the presence of various salts. Saltwater contains many ions that speed up the
rusting process via electrochemical reactions. Pure iron tends to rust more slowly when
compared to iron containing a mixture of metals. In addition, when metals are exposed to their
environment, they undergo corrosion. For example, after some time, a shiny aluminum pot will
lose its shine, silverware will tarnish and an iron structure will rust. Corrosion of metal is a redox
reaction in which a metal is oxidized naturally to its ions, resulting in the partial or complete
destruction of the metal.

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 Chem 11 – Chemistry for Engineers
Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

II. PRACTICAL APPLICATION

There are numerous instances of redux reactions in our daily life; we simply
neglect to notice how commonplace the acquiring and losing of electrons are all
around us. Here are a few examples:

➣ Respiration- Water oxidizes during respiration as carbon dioxide is reduced.

➣ Combustion- This is how redox reactions are typically expressed. Redox reactions
include the combustion of organic material and hydrocarbons. The
oxygen is decreased while the substances being burned are oxidized
during combustion.

➣ Photosynthesis- The process of photosynthesis in plants involves the reduction of

carbon dioxide and the oxidation of water.

➣ Photography- Reduction is also a part of photographic film development. By

reducing substances like hydroquinone or pyrogallol, the silver ions
inactivated by silver bromide go through reduction and become silver
atoms.

➣ Decomposition- This is the breakdown or decay process, and all decomposition

only occurs when there are various energy levels. Redox
processes eliminate it.

III. OBJECTIVES

 Observe the rate at which the nail will produce Rust.

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

IV. MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT

This section includes instruments, materials, their quantities, and their

purpose in the said experiment. This will allow the experimenters to obtain the
desired result by observing how fast the nails will rust when it’s submerged in the
following liquids and other mixtures.

Material/Equipment Description Specification Quantity

1. Plastic cup commonly used as a

container to hold beverages. 16 Oz 8

2. Nails usually made of steel but

can also be made of 5 inches 24
stainless steel, iron, copper,
aluminum, or bronze.
3. Water a substance composed of
the chemical elements The plastic cup is 1
hydrogen and oxygen and full of water
existing in gaseous, liquid,
and solid states.
4. Oil Any of a large class of The plastic cup is
viscous liquids that are full of oil 1
typically very slippery and
greasy.
5. Vinegar a combination of acetic acid The plastic cup is
and water made by a two- full of vinegar 1
step fermentation process.
6. Sprite a lemon and lime-flavored The plastic cup is
soft drink. full of sprite 1

7. Alcohol A chemical substance used The plastic cup is

in wounds and to protect us full of alcohol 1
from germs.
8. Saltwater water with an amount of salt The plastic cup is
in it. full of salt water 1

9. Air/soil the invisible mixture of gases Somewhere

that surrounds Earth. around the house 1

10. Muriatic acid an aqueous hydrogen

chloride solution and is The plastic cup is 1
considered strong and highly full of muriatic acid
corrosive.

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

V. PROCEDURE

a. Pre-Experiment

 The experimenters first weight the mass of the three nails.

 The experimenters first discussed which materials will be assigned to them.
 Kent is assigned to observe the rate at which the nail will produce rust that is
placed in soil and another that is submerged in water.
 Lester is assigned to observe the rate at which the nail will produce rust that is
submerged in Oil and in Muriatic acid.
 Kylo is assigned to observe the rate at which the nail will produce rust that is
submerged in sprite and saltwater.
 Arsenio is assigned to observe the rate at which the nail will produce rust that is
submerged in alcohol.
 Joshua is assigned to observe the rate at which the nail will produce rust that is
submerged in vinegar.
 The leader then explained the things to consider in observing the rusting of nails
to the following materials.

b. Experiment Proper

 First, after we go home after school the experimenters prepared the materials for
the experiment.
 Next, at exactly 6:00 PM, the experimenters began to submerge the nails into the
ff. liquids and mixtures that they are assigned to.
 Then, they are going to set it aside for a month.
 Lastly, they are tasked to observe it weekly and take notes on the formation of
rust.

c. Post-Experiment

 Individual Picture from week 1 to week 4

 Clean Up and Dispose of garbage (disposing of garbage such as the plastic cup
and materials used in the experiment.
 The leader of the group assigned each member a task to be done.

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

VI. POST- LAB QUESTIONS

1. Observations

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

1. Water - There is - The rust - The rusting - The nails

corrosion of rust tends to appear formation was were fully rusted
formation that more than usual consistent and and the water
happened rust build up in the change in level continues
immediately on the first week volume of the to drop until
the first day and however the water as it nothing was left
the following rust can only be decrease over on the cup.
days of the seen in the time due to the However, rust
week. The water color of the vaporization of particles are still
started to water, as the water. As the clearly attached
decrease in rust takes place water level to the sides of
amount since no on the continues to the cup. The
lid is covered submerged part drop, the rust color of the cup
throughout the of the nails thus particles tend turned a
whole the rust was to be left on browner to
observation. mixed through the sides of the orange color.
the water which cup container.
appears more This week it
orange. only highlights
how the water
turned brown
and orange as
rust becomes
more
prevalent.
2. Oil
No formation of No formation of No formation No formation of
rust rust of rust rust

3. Vinegar - there is a - there is a - there is a - the level of

formation of rust. formation of precipitate of the vinegar is
- there is a little rust around the rust around the half-full of the
bit decrease in iron nail. nails. cup.
the level of the - the vinegar - there is also - the color of
vinegar. turns into a change in the vinegar
yellowish color color since last turns orange
- There is a week it turned (the color of the
decrease in the into a yellowish rust)
level of the color. - there is a

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

vinegar thick precipitate

of rust around
the nails.
4. Sprite - there is a - the sprite - the nails - the color of
formation of rust. gained rust with the sprite the sprite turned
- the nails that around the nails turned into a completely
were submerged - started to go black liquid black compared
in sprite had a bit uncleared due to rust. to the past
some slight and rust in the - the sprite is weeks
reactions like the liquids. decreased and - has
rust was - the sprite becomes ¾ of decreased to
removed from turned into a the cup half-full of the
the nails foggy and cup.
orange color - build up thick
due to the rust. rust around the
nails.
5. Alcohol

6. Saltwater - there is a - the saltwater - the saltwater - the saltwater

formation of rust. gained rust turned into an turned orange
- the saltwater around the nails uncleared color completely
decreased a little - started to go liquid that the due to rust.
bit a bit uncleared nails now can’t - has decreased
and rust in the be seen. into a half-full
liquids. - the saltwater cup.
- the saltwater is decreased - build up thick
color turned and becomes rust around the
orange color. ¾ of the cup. nails
7. Air/soil - The nails were - The nails - It started to - Rust was
exposed to air started to create a more visible but just
and soil freely create more obvious like the usual
and no lid was transparent rust change change, it
covered in order as rust particles although rust possesses
for air to pass can now be became only slow-rust
through the seen on the visible in the formation that
nails. The nails body of the middle of the the intensity of
were consistent nails. Although third week. the rust
in the first week. little rusting was One of the particles is not
Slower rust only developed critical much
formation and on the nails. changes that recognizable.
little to no rust nails started to Although there
particles can possess in the was rust built
only be soil is that the upon the nails,
recognized as a rusting there were no
critical change to formation other significant
the nails. activity is much changes or
slower than activities other

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 Chem 11 – Chemistry for Engineers
Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

nails than the slow

submerged in production of
water. One of rust particles in
the significant between week
observations in intervals.
the soil is that
their slow-rust
rust formation
takes more
time for rust to
build.
8. Muriatic - There is no - it produces - it produces - the iron nail
acid formation of rust rust particles brown rust becomes
particles. - the muriatic particles completely
changes in around the succumbs to
color nail. rust having dark
- the color of brown particles
the muriatic around it.
becomes dark - the color of the
green. muriatic
becomes even
darker and has
rust particles
floating above.

2.

BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

Water 4Fe + 3O2-2 → 2Fe3+2 O3
Oil N/A
Vinegar Fe + 2CH3COOH → Fe (CH3COO)2 + H2
-

Sprite 2Fe + 3Na1+2 CO2-3 → Fe3+(CO3)3 + 6Na

Alcohol 2Fe + 2C2H6O → 2C2H5OFe + H2
Saltwater N/A
Muriatic acid Fe + 2HCl → Fe2+Cl2 + H2
Air/soil N/A

3.

Redox Half reaction Reducing Oxidizing Reduced

reaction agents agents or
(yes/no) Oxidized
Water Yes 4Fe →4Fe3+ +12e- O Fe Oxidized
3O-2 + 12e-→6O2-
Oil No N/A N/A N/A N/A

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 Chem 11 – Chemistry for Engineers
Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

Vinegar Yes
Sprite Yes
Alcohol Yes
Saltwater Yes N/A N/A N/A N/A
Air/soil Yes N/A N/A N/A N/A
Muriatic Yes
acid

4. Initial mass of iron nail = 90 g

Mass after Mass gain/loss

Water 82.911 g 7.089 g
Oil 87.409 g 2.591 g
Vinegar 79.334 g 10.666 g
Sprite 87.457 g 2.543 g
Alcohol 87.009 g 2.991 g
Saltwater 89.544 g 0.456 g
Air/soil 87.835 g 2.165 g
Muriatic acid 51.877 g 38.123 g

A. Usually, Rusted iron nails become heavier as time passes. It is a result of the
layer of iron oxide that has formed on the iron nail's surface. The nail is receiving
oxygen and hydrogen through this iron oxide coating, but since it is soaked and
covered in liquid, the rust is constantly detached from the nail causing it to lose
weight.

B.

C. The law of conservation of mass states that mass in an isolated system is neither
created nor destroyed by chemical reactions or physical transformations. This
means that when an iron object rusts, the state of iron changes as a result of iron
reacting with oxygen and producing iron oxide (rust). So, the mass loss was part
of the iron that detached along with the iron oxide.

5. The iron nail rust fastest in saltwater. Iron develops a thin layer of oxide that
slows the rate of oxidation and shields the metal from further corrosion. The
rusting process, which is an oxidation reaction between iron and oxygen, is
accelerated by saltwater. Saltwater can speed up the reaction because it is an
an electrolyte that permits free ions to move more easily and prevents the
formation of a protective oxide film, which allows corrosion (the accumulation of
rust) to proceed unchecked. The iron nail will rust more severely and rapidly.
while if a nail is soaked in oil it makes a barrier that cuts the contact of the nails

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

with air, in that way, the metal can't react with oxygen and it stops any external
elements from seeping through making any rust formation impossible. while the
nail that is soaked in oil forms rust the slowest since oil makes a barrier that cuts
the contact of the nails with air, in that way, the metal can't react with oxygen and
it stops any external elements from seeping through making any rust formation
impossible.

6. The advocates believe that iron and other metals should be coated or soaked in
oil to slow corrosion or prevent rusting since they learned from a previous
the experiment that nails or iron soaked in oil developed rust so slowly because
the oil reduces the oxygen contact of the nail.

VII. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

VIII. REFERENCES

➣ Admin. (2022, May 11). Rusting of iron - explanation, chemical reaction, prevention.
BYJUS. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://byjus.com/chemistry/rusting-iron-
prevention/?
fbclid=IwAR2d8hjsIPxeP2fvGebsBFQFOxcLx5Vi1fhTUiMw_EvmoY6VoF7aZ9uJb4#:~:
text=Rusting%20of%20iron%20refers%20to,containing%20high%20levels%20of
%20moisture

➣ Libretexts. (2022, July 19). 16.8: Corrosion- undesirable redox reactions. Chemistry
LibreTexts. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Map
%3A_Introductory_Chemistry_(Tro)/16%3A_Oxidation_and_Reduction/
16.08%3A_Corrosion-_Undesirable_Redox_Reactions?
fbclid=IwAR0WIh7gX7u55AehEyKQov5RMRJnnzA2FPD2Ohzn7U81N9HH5al9ppVwn
bM

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 Chem 11 – Chemistry for Engineers
Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

Annex A MEMBER’S DESIGNATION AND PARTICIPATION

Christian Kent Cerio

Introduction
Assigned works to be done by
members
Experimentation

Syempre picture Syempre picture Syempre picture

nyo dito. nyo dito. nyo dito.

Lester Madridano Arsenio Rebaya Joshua Hiloma

Encode Edited figures and Printing
Practical application Documentation Observation and summary (for
References, Materials Summary ,observation revision)
Experimentation Experimentation Experimentation
Experimentation

Kylo Fernandez
Procedures (for revision)
contributed to the
experimentation.

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

Annex B DOCUMENTATION

SPRITE & SALTWATER

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

VINEGAR

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

WATER AND AIR/SOIL

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

ALCOHOL

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Experiment 3: Rusting of Nails

OIL AND MURIATIC ACID

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