Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I don't understand this formula. I'm a 5th grader who is doing this experiment (which is really fun so far), but the formula doesn't make much sense to me. If someone could just answer me before Jan. 10th, which is when my project outline is due, that would be perfect! I'm thankful for any help I can get! Thanks!

Actually, never mind! I found my answer in the 'Background' of the experiment!

My science fair project outline is due on Jan. 10th, and one of the questions is, "Where should your experiment take place?"
I am a 6th grader doing the experiment, 'Rusting Out: How Acids Affect the Rate of Corrosion'. So far, the experiment is really fun, but I can't find where it says the setting of the experiment! I'm thankful for any help I can get! Thanks for your time and expertise!

I'm not very sure where this experiment is supposed to take place. If someone could help me by Jan. 10th, that would be great! Thanks!

I'm also doing the Rusting Out experiment (the original one). I have a question. What is the setting of this experiment? As in, where should I conduct the experiment? I didn't find this information in the science buddies Background, Procedure, or anywhere else. I'm a 5th grader who needs your help and time, which is heavily appreciated. If someone could answer me by Jan. 10th, that would be great!!

Why and how do acids accelerate corrosion? I can understand on how they can cause or just make corrosion worse. But why and how? Does heat also affect this process? Any help is immensely appreciated, so thank you for your time, help, and expertise.

Dear Myra_Miranda,

Rusting, which is a corrosion, occurs when iron becomes iron oxide. Iron oxide is a compound formed from the reaction between iron (Fe) and oxygen (O). In order for this to occur, iron, water, and oxygen needs to come together. Acids accelerate corrosion because chemical compounds in acids make them better electrolytes than pure water. This makes sense since an electrolyte is a liquid that aids in the transfer of electrons. Whenever rusting occurs, iron atoms lose electrons to the oxygen atoms. Electrons travels though water to reach the oxygen atoms.

I hope this helps you. If you have any other questions, please let us know.

RicaC

Hi Myra_Miranda,

The setting of this experiment is wherever you conducted the experiment. It should be somewhere you can conduct the experiment safely and efficiently - probably inside since you don't want to be exposed to environmental conditions. You also want a place with easy cleanup; while you aren't using any terribly strong acids, you wouldn't want to spill tomato juice on your living room carpet! I hope this helps!

Sincerely,
Elena

Thank you SO much! I performed the experiment, and I'm still on Trial 2. However, I made some changes to the experiment, because when I recorded the temperature every minute, the temperature was either still the same, or changed, by, like, 0.01 degrees (Celsius). My hypothesis was that the steel wool would corrode the most in vinegar, which was my most acidic solution. However, so far, the distilled water is making the wool corrode the most. My mom, who is the 8th grade science teacher, explained this in terms, that, frankly, I don't quite understand. Can you please help me? Thank you so much!

I did the experiment, but the steel wool in the vinegar (which was my most acidic liquid) didn't rust at all. However, the temperature still dropped. Just saying, I did the experiment outside for realistic results. Thanks!

moderator note: Please keep all of your questions together on the same science project so that the experts who have been helping you will see that you have follow-up questions/comments. I've merged your posts from the other forum in with this thread in the physical science forum. Thank you and best of luck with your project!

Because steel wool contains iron, it corrodes under water. As you may know, water is two hydrogen atoms bonded with one oxygen. (H2O) So, when the iron from the wool combined with the oxygen from the water, it creates Iron Oxide (rust!)

Happy Experimenting!

Vinegar's chemical composition has oxygen. I looked it up. Now I'm confused.

My mom explained the problem to me.