Explain how rusting of iron is envisaged as setting up of an electrochemical cell.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) In the process of corrosion,due to the presence of air and moisture,oxidation takes place at a particular spot of an object made of iron. That spot behaves as the anode. The reaction at the anode is given by:
$Fe_{(s)} \longrightarrow Fe^{2+}_{(aq)} + 2e^-$
Electrons released at the anodic spot move through the metallic object and go to another spot of the object.
There,in the presence of $H^{+}$ ions,the electrons reduce oxygen. This spot behaves as the cathode. These $H^{+}$ ions come either from $H_2CO_3$,which are formed due to the dissolution of carbon dioxide from air into water,or from the dissolution of other acidic oxides from the atmosphere in water.
The reaction at the cathode is given by:
$O_{2(g)} + 4H^{+}_{(aq)} + 4e^- \longrightarrow 2H_2O_{(l)}$
The overall reaction is:
$2Fe_{(s)} + O_{2(g)} + 4H^{+}_{(aq)} \longrightarrow 2Fe^{2+}_{(aq)} + 2H_2O_{(l)}$
Also,ferrous ions are further oxidized by atmospheric oxygen to ferric ions. These ferric ions combine with moisture,present in the surroundings,to form hydrated ferric oxide $(Fe_2O_3 \cdot xH_2O)$,which is rust.
Hence,the rusting of iron is envisaged as the setting up of an electrochemical cell.

Explore More

Similar Questions

During galvanization of iron,which metal is used for coating the iron surface?

When an iron rod is subjected to an atmosphere having a very high content of moisture,which process is predominant?

To prevent corrosion,iron pipes carrying drinking water are covered with zinc. The process involved is

Galvanization is applying a coating of:

Galvanisation is the:

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo