Corrosion of Mental Nails
An Investigation Into the Factors Affecting the Rate of a Chemical Reaction
Title of your investigation
An investigation into the factors affecting the rate of a chemical reaction
1. Aim of investigation
To investigate the major factors that affect the rate of corrosion.
2. Motivation (explain why you have chosen to investigate this particular topic)
I have chosen to examine this experiment as it applies to our daily lives. Rusting of metal occurs every day whether it’s the nails on our deck or that rusting bicycle in our garage. Considering that rust is such a worldwide problem, I wanted to conduct my own explanation. Another reason why I picked this investigation is because I enjoy chemistry and believed it would be a worthwhile experimentation.
3. Background information (very briefly what have you already found out about this topic?)
Rust, also known generally as iron oxide occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of H2O (water) or moisture in the air. The oxygen in the H20 is reacting with the iron (Fe) causing the particles within the nail to break away causing rust. The action of rust is a combustion reaction, similar to fire. However, compared to fire, rust produces a much slower reaction and does not create a flame. Throughout my research I have established that there are four major factors that affect the rate of the chemical reaction; the use of a catalyst (salt [sodium chloride]), reactants (metal nail), temperature and medium (water). In addition, discovering that nails were made up of steel, which is an alloy of iron.
4. Identify
a) the independent variable(s) you will investigate.
An independent variable is the variable that is changed in a scientific experiment. The independent variable conducted throughout this experiment is water.
Isn’t it salt and temperature?
b) the dependent variable
A dependent variable is the variable being tested in a scientific experiment. The dependent variable in this
Title of your investigation
An investigation into the factors affecting the rate of a chemical reaction
1. Aim of investigation
To investigate the major factors that affect the rate of corrosion.
2. Motivation (explain why you have chosen to investigate this particular topic)
I have chosen to examine this experiment as it applies to our daily lives. Rusting of metal occurs every day whether it’s the nails on our deck or that rusting bicycle in our garage. Considering that rust is such a worldwide problem, I wanted to conduct my own explanation. Another reason why I picked this investigation is because I enjoy chemistry and believed it would be a worthwhile experimentation.
3. Background information (very briefly what have you already found out about this topic?)
Rust, also known generally as iron oxide occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of H2O (water) or moisture in the air. The oxygen in the H20 is reacting with the iron (Fe) causing the particles within the nail to break away causing rust. The action of rust is a combustion reaction, similar to fire. However, compared to fire, rust produces a much slower reaction and does not create a flame. Throughout my research I have established that there are four major factors that affect the rate of the chemical reaction; the use of a catalyst (salt [sodium chloride]), reactants (metal nail), temperature and medium (water). In addition, discovering that nails were made up of steel, which is an alloy of iron.
4. Identify
a) the independent variable(s) you will investigate.
An independent variable is the variable that is changed in a scientific experiment. The independent variable conducted throughout this experiment is water.
Isn’t it salt and temperature?
b) the dependent variable
A dependent variable is the variable being tested in a scientific experiment. The dependent variable in this