Metals and corronslon - Lab Report Example

Metals Tittle: Metals Objectives a) To determine conditions necessary for rusting b) To determine electrical conductivity ofIron, Copper, and Brass c) To determine the brittleness and hardness of copper, brass, and ironIntroductionThe aim of this laboratory experiment is to determine the rate of reaction between copper, brass, and iron. The other aim is to determine the conditions necessary for rusting to occur. The process of corrosion requires certain conditions, which must be present. The conditions include oxygen and water.

There is also the measurement of rate of electrical conductivity between these metals. The experiment also measures the brittleness of these metals. MaterialsBoiled water pure clean water, 3 iron nails, cork, oil, Table salt, 3 test tubes, Test tube rackProcedurePlace clean water in one of the test tube and drop an iron nail. Leave the set up in the rack for some time. Place clean water in one of the test tubes. Add some salt, and drop an iron nail. Leave the set up for some timePlace boiled water in the remaining test tube.

Add the film of oil. Drop the nail and cover the test tube with the cork. Leave the set up for some time.Observation The iron nail in test tube I appeared brown in color. The brown color is iron III oxide indicating rusting on the nail due to the availability of the necessary conditions for rusting. These conditions are air and water. In test, tube II there was also more brown color indicating that rusting took place. Salt, air, and water favored the process of rusting. In test tube, III there was no observable color change on the oil.

This is because the water was boiled which expelled all the oxygen. Secondly, the oil film prevented oxygen from entering the tube therefore rusting did not take place. The brown color was missing in test tube III. Results and DiscussionFrom the experiment conducted above, we can clearly conclude that the process of resulting requires the presence of water and air, which is oxygen to be specific. This is the reason why nails in test tube II and I ended up in brown color. Iron nail in test tube III did not rust due to the absence of oxygen (Holleman and Wiberg).

Copper is the best conductor of electricity while it is also the most brittle. Brass, which is an alloy of copper and iron, is the harder of the two. Prevention of RustingRusting can be prevented through various means. One of the methods to prevent rust is by oiling. Oiling prevents entry of oxygen, which is an essential condition necessary for rusting. Painting is also another possible means of preventing rust. Galvanization is the process of applying a coat of layer that is resistant to rust.

This process also helps in preventing rust in metals. Method of storage is also amongst the simple ways in which corrosion can be prevented. Ensure that metals are stored in a cool and dry place to prevent rusting. Conclusion In conclusion, water and oxygen are the necessary conditions for rusting to occur. The experiment was a complete success showing also the rate of conductivity between brass, copper, and iron. In summary copper is the best conductor of electricity as compared to brass and iron.

Painting, coating, galvanizing, and method of storage are some of the ways that can be used to prevent the process of rusting. Works CitedHolleman, A. F. and E Wiberg. Inorganic Chemistry. San Diego: Academic Press, 2001.