Cover Page
Investigatory Project on
Study of Rusting of Iron in Different Conditions and Methods to Prevent It
Submitted by: [Your Name]
Class: [Your Class]
School: [Your School Name]
Year: 2025-26
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my science teacher for their guidance and support
throughout this project. I also thank my parents and friends who encouraged me during this
investigatory study. Their help made this project possible.
Certificate
This is to certify that [Your Name], a student of Class [Your Class], has successfully completed the
investigatory project titled:
"Study of Rusting of Iron in Different Conditions and Methods to Prevent It"
under the guidance of [Teacher's Name]. This project is the result of the student's original work and
observation.
Index
1. Acknowledgement
2. Certificate
3. Index
4. Introduction
5. Aim & Objectives
6. Materials Required
7. Theoretical Background
8. Procedure
9. Observations
10. Diagrams
11. Result & Analysis
12. Calculations
13. Methods to Prevent Rusting
14. Conclusion
15. Bibliography
Introduction
Rusting is a slow chemical process where iron reacts with oxygen and water to form iron oxide,
commonly known as rust. This project investigates how different conditions affect rusting and
explores effective methods of preventing it.
Aim & Objectives
Aim: To study the rusting of iron under different conditions and determine effective ways to prevent
it.
Objectives:
- Understand chemical reactions in rusting
- Test environmental conditions
- Examine prevention methods
- Record and analyze observations
Materials Required
- Iron nails (6-8 pieces)
- Test tubes and stand
- Salt, distilled water, vinegar
- Oil, grease, paint
- Labels and corks
- Beakers and containers
Theoretical Background
Rusting is an oxidation-reduction reaction:
4Fe + 3O50 + 6H50O 4Fe(OH)51 Fe50O51xH50O (Rust)
It requires water and oxygen. Salt or acid can accelerate it. It causes damage to structures and
leads to economic loss.
Theoretical Background (Cont'd)
Electrochemical basis of rusting:
- Anodic reaction: Fe Fe + 2e
- Cathodic reaction: O50 + 4e + 2H50O 4OH
The Fe reacts with OH to form Fe(OH)50, which further oxidizes into rust.
Experimental Setup & Procedure
Test tubes A-F each have a nail under different conditions:
A. Dry air
B. Distilled water
C. Salt water
D. Boiled water + oil
E. Painted nail
F. Greased nail
Place them for 5-7 days and observe changes.
Observations
Test Tube | Condition | Rusting Observed | Inference
A | Dry air | No rust | Moisture is essential
B | Distilled water | Rust | Water causes rust
C | Salt water | Heavy rust | Salt accelerates rusting
D | Boiled water + oil | No rust | No oxygen = no rust
E | Painted nail | No rust | Paint prevents contact
F | Greased nail | Slight rust | Grease reduces exposure
Observation Table (Cont'd)
Use a table to record:
- Rust level: Low / Medium / High
- Time passed: 1 day, 3 days, 5 days
- Physical changes observed
Diagram: Experimental Setup and Anti-Rust Methods
