Metals and Nonmetals — Science STD 8 — Question

Corrosion: Gases in the air react with metals in presence of moisture to form metal compounds on its surface, this destroys the metal gradually and is called corrosion.

By applying a layer of paint, oil, grease or varnish on the surface of a metal to prevent corrosion. Also plating with noncorroding metal is done. Iron is coated with thin layer of zinc. Due to these processes, the contact of a metal surface with air is lost and corrosion is prevented.

1. A reddish coloured deposit (rust) is formed on iron by reaction with oxygen gas.
2. A greenish coloured deposit (copper carbonate) is formed on copper by reaction with carbon dioxide.
3. A blackish coloured deposit is formed (silver sulphide) on silver.
4. Corrosion causes damages to car bodies, bridges, iron railings, ships specially those of iron, silver articles and copper vessels.