Why Things Rust

Rusting is a term commonly used for the combination chemical reaction of iron and oxygen.

Anyone who has used steel wool cleaning pads knows that as long as they are kept dry they don’t rust, but get them wet and you best watch where you place them. The rust that forms stains many surfaces.

So What is Happening with Rust?

1. Does the steel wool rust because the soap is washed out exposing the steel to air?

Would dry steel wool without soap rust if exposed to air?

2. Is water necessary for the steel wool to rust?

Discover How Rust Works for Yourself!

Design your own experiments to discover the answers to these questions.

Clues:

1. Use steel wool without soap–purchase this where paint supplies are sold.

2. Place dry soapless steel wool and a dry soap filled steel wool pad on saucers for two or more days to see if they will rust.

3. Wet a soapless and soap filled steel wool pad. Place on separate saucers for 2 or more days to see if they will rust.

If rusting is the combination of iron and oxygen, what does water have to do with it? For an explanation, see   CHEMISTRY:RUSTING.