Iron corrodes easily. It rusts.
Rusting only happens when the iron is in contact with oxygen and water.
The chemical reaction that takes place is oxidation. The iron gains oxygen to form iron(III) oxide.
Water becomes loosely bonded to the Iron(III) oxide and the result is hydrated iron(III) oxide.
iron + oxygen + water -----> hydrated iron(III) oxide (rust)
To prevent rusting you can coat the iron with a barrier :
Painting/Coating with plastic - ideal for big and small structures.
Oiling/Greasing - has to be used when moving parts are involved, such as bike chains.
Zinc is often used as a sacrificial metal due to Zinc being more reactive than Iron.
A coating of Zinc can be sprayed onto the object, this is known as galvanising.
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