Chapter 20.1, Problem 5LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason behind the increased corrosion of metals in the presence of salts and acids is to be determined.

Concept introduction: Rusting or corrosion of metals is a redox reaction that involves the transfer of electrons thereby resulting in the formation of an unwanted substance, rust on the surface of metals.

Answer to Problem 5LC

The corrosion of metals found to increase in the presence of salt solution and is because of the reason that salt solution acts as an electrolyte with more ions in it. The presence of ions will increase the conductivity of the solution and thus, resulting in the formation of electrons at a faster rate.

Explanation of Solution

The chemical process that involves the exchange of electrons is rusting. The rusting often happens in the presence of moisture and oxygen. Certain chemical species are found to accelerate the rate of corrosion of metals.

Salt is such a compound that can increase the rate of corrosion of metallic substances. And is because of the reason salt combines with moisture and results in the formation of a salt solution. This aqueous solution can act as an electrolyte with ions present in it. The presence of ions was found to increase the conductivity thereby making the metals lose electrons at a faster rate. Thereby, the corrosion process of metals is increased.