What is corrosion?

In Class 12 Chemistry, “corrosion” refers to the gradual destruction or deterioration of metals due to their reaction with environmental elements such as oxygen, moisture, acids, or other chemicals. This process results in the formation of undesirable compounds like oxides, hydroxides, or sulfides on the metal surface.

The most common example of corrosion is the rusting of iron, where iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide (rust). The reaction can be represented as:

[ 4Fe + 3O_2 + 6H_2O

Over time, rust weakens the metal, leading to structural damage.

Corrosion is a significant issue in industries as it can lead to the loss of metal properties, increased maintenance costs, and even accidents if not controlled properly. To prevent corrosion, various methods such as painting, galvanization, and the use of corrosion inhibitors are employed.