Science Smarts: Corrosion
By PATTY ROOKS on August 12, 2023.
I find that in the summer, I am catching up on projects and fixing things that I may nave “neglected” over the winter. We have a trailer, that whenever I walk by it, I think I need to deal with the corrosion or rust spots on it. Of course, this led me into a whole talk about corrosion and how it damages certain metal items we have. Perhaps we should investigate this further. Let’s get started! *Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment. Materials Steel wool (ensure it is “pure” and does not contain soap) Glass jar with lid Vinegar Paper towels Sheet of paper Procedure 1. Place a piece of steel wool in the bottom of the glass jar. 2. Carefully cover the steel wool with vinegar. 3. Tightly screw the lid on the jar and set aside for 24 hours. 4. The next day, put on the gloves, unscrew the lid and carefully pour the liquid down the drain. 5. Remove the steel wool and allow it to dry on the paper towel. 6. Carefully shake out the steel wool once it is dry (over the paper towel). 7. Observe. What is going on? You made a chemical reaction in this experiment. The vinegar acted as a catalyst with the steel wool to corrode or rust. Those flakes of brownish red onto the paper towel were rust pieces. I was simply amazed at how quickly the rust can form! This is similar to what happens to metal on vehicles or trailers where we live. Of course, they are not exposed to vinegar, but other chemicals that are put on the roads in the winter that if left on too long will create corrosion or rust over time. This is why it is so important to keep your vehicle clean and free of these harsh chemicals so they will not form rust spots and start to corrode as well. Mark your calendars as the Praxis AGM will be on Friday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.. We are always in need of volunteers and Board members. For more info, please contact Patty. Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca 22-21
