Rusted metal. Image credit racingstrong.com
ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: Experiment:To compare the effects of atmospheric corrosion on metals
Aim: To compare the effects of atmospheric corrosion on various metals
Materials: samples of mild steel/cast iron, stainless steel, cutting steel (razor blade/old hacksaw blade), brass, aluminium, copper, plastic lids or glass beakers
Method
- Place each sample metal in a beaker or on a lid
- Add water to each one making sure not to cover each one, only add enough water to create a moist environment
- Observe each metal once a week for several week adding water if the beakers dry out
Observation and Results
- Copper and Aluminum resist corrosion best
- Cast iron rusts easily
- Stainless steel and cutting steel also resist rust
Conclusion
- Less reactive metals like copper resist corrosion
- Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion
- Aluminum forms an oxide layer that protects it from rusting/corrosion
- Cast iron/mild steel rusts easily
To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page
