Question

Complete the following reactions,
$Fe + {O_2} + {H_2}O \to $?

Answer 1

Hint: We need to study the reaction of iron in the presence of oxygen and water. Iron is a ductile, malleable and silver-grey metal and can conduct electricity. It belongs to group 8 of the periodic table. It rusts in damp air but not in dry air. Air which contains moisture in air is likely to rust the iron and eventually degrade. We shall discuss the reaction of iron in oxygen and water which is the reaction of iron in moist or damp air.

Complete step by step answer:
We must remember that when iron reacts with oxygen and water, iron oxide is formed. This iron oxide is commonly known as rust and the process is known as rusting. The equation is given below:
$Fe + {O_2} + {H_2}O \to F{e_2}{O_3}$. The product is $F{e_2}{O_3}$ which is chemically known as iron (III) oxide and commonly known as rust.
The balanced chemical equation for the formation of rust is as follows:
$2Fe + {O_2} + {H_2}O \to F{e_2}{O_3} + {H_2}$
2 moles of iron react with one molecule of oxygen and one molecule of water to produce one molecule of iron oxide with the evolution of one molecule of hydrogen gas.

Note:
It must be noted that rusting is often confused with corrosion. Corrosion occurs when the substance, mainly metals is exposed to air or some chemicals. Rusting on the other hand is a type of corrosion which is associated only with iron which corrodes the surface of iron metal. Applying oil and paint is the most efficient way to prevent rusting. This basically breaks the contact between atmospheric air and the iron hence prevents rusting of iron.