Iron - Rusting, Recycling and Extraction

-How rust forms
-How to prevent rusting
-Process of recycling
-How metals are extracted from their ores by reduction

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  • Created by: Safa
  • Created on: 05-12-10 15:53

Formation of Rust

Iron is exposed to oxygen and water:

2Fe(S) + 2H2O(l) + 02 (aq)   à  2Fe2+ (aq) + 4OH-  

The ions produced combine to form a precipitate of iron (III) hydroxide:

Fe2+(aq)  + 2OH-  à Fe(OH)2

The iron (III) hydroxide is further oxidised by oxygen and water:

4Fe(OH)2 + O2 + 2H2O à 4Fe(OH)3

Iron (III) hydroxide gradually turns into hydrated iron (III) oxide:

Fe2O3 • xH2O     ...Which is Rust!

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