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.
Procedures
Mass steel wool before treatment using an analytical balance.
Measure each sample and condition volume of water in each graduated cylinder.
Place each nail in it's oxidation location/conditions using water/air/dry conditions.
At the same time each day; record the volume of water displaced.
Repeat for five days.
Sample data and graphs
Analysis & Conclusions
Analyze the data and draw conclusions relevant to your research question and hypothesis.
The amount of oxidation is the additional mass added to the iron to form iron(III) oxide.
The chemical equation to represent this would be:
4 Fe (s) + 3 O2 (g) --> 2 Fe2O3 (s)
Photos & Movies
References
Economic Impact of rust and corrosion from Wikipedia.