Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing this experiment for my SRP:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p079.shtml

And I'm a bit confused as to why I need a thermometer. The experiment is about observing the rust on the steel wool after some time - but what does temperature have to do with it? How does temperature relate to this experiment? What does it say about this experiment?

Thank you..

Hi! If you read the Background section of the experiment, it explains why temperature is a relevant variable to measure. Let me know if you still have questions after that!