Answer to Question #169820 in General Chemistry for aisha

Question

Old iron objects from tombs in Britain are often covered with rust. Iron reacts with oxygen when it rusts  What else is needed for iron to go rusty? 

Answer 1

Rusting is an oxidation reaction. The iron reacts with water and oxygen to form hydrated iron(III) oxide, which we see as rust. Iron and steel rust when they come into contact with water and oxygen – both are needed for rusting to occur.