Oxidation of Iron (Paul DeCunzo)

Research Question and Hypothesis

Which conditions produce the most oxidation (rust) on and iron nail and based on exposure time.

Hypothesis: the fastest oxidation will be in the salt water; the slowest, indoors.

Standards

3. The conservation of atoms in chemical reactions leads to the principle of conservation of matter and the ability to calculate the mass of produces and reactants. As a basis for understanding this concept:­

3a. Students know how to describe chemical reactions by writing balanced equations.

3g.* Students know how to identify reactions that involve oxidation and reduction and how to balance oxidation reactions.

Experimental Design

Independent variable

• Time of exposure-measurements are to be taken at the same time each day for the duration of the study.

Dependent variables

• Oxidation Location/Conditions.

• Amount of Oxidation Produced-the volume of water displaced by the consumption of oxygen (20% of the air) by the steel wool oxidizing.

Series

• Study the amount of oxidation as a function of oxygen consumed for various conditions.

Constants and Control

• Amount of treated steel wool used for each condition. Amount of water. Temperature.

A control will be a steel wool not exposed to any oxidation. (Day 0).

Materials

Steel Wool; Water, Graduated Cylinder; Salt; Paper towels or wipes.