The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

The temp. of water at which an iron nail rusts

Hi, I am a 6th grader and I am doing a science project on rusting nails. I am doing my project at the last minute. I was wondering if an iron nail will rust faster in cold or hot water? Exactly what temperature? I need your help so please HELP!

Micah R
student (6th grader) - League City, Texas, United States
2005

---

What is the purpose of your project, Micah? Are you trying to learn or prove some principle? Almost all chemical reactions proceed faster and faster at higher and higher temperatures. But for rusting to occur I think you need oxygen (air) to be dissolved in the water, and less and less can be dissolved at higher and higher temperatures. Maybe you could put a couple of your test cups in the fridge, a couple out on a counter, and a couple on top of the water heater and see what you learn.

Unfortunately, doing this at the last minute may be too late because there may not be time enough for any of them to rust.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005