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Rusting Rate Investigation in Iron Nails

The ZIMSEC School-Based Project investigates the rate of rusting in iron nails under different conditions: air, tap water, salt water, and oil coating. The project aims to understand how these factors affect rusting, which weakens tools and increases replacement costs. The setup involves observing the rusting process over seven days to compare the effects of each condition.

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Wayne Muhamba
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37 views2 pages

Rusting Rate Investigation in Iron Nails

The ZIMSEC School-Based Project investigates the rate of rusting in iron nails under different conditions: air, tap water, salt water, and oil coating. The project aims to understand how these factors affect rusting, which weakens tools and increases replacement costs. The setup involves observing the rusting process over seven days to compare the effects of each condition.

Uploaded by

Wayne Muhamba
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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ZIMSEC School-Based Project


Subject: Chemistry
Name:
Center Number:
Candidate Number:
Topic: Investigating the Rate of Rusting in Different Conditions
Year: 2025

Stage 1: Problem Identification


1.1 Description of the Problem
In my area, hoes, axes, and nails rust quickly when left outside. Rusting weakens tools and
makes them expensive to replace.
1.2 Statement of Intent
The aim of this project is to investigate how air, tap water, salt water, and oil coating affect
the rate of rusting in iron nails.
1.3 Design/Specification
 Clean 4 iron nails.
 Expose nails to air, tap water, salt water, and oil coating.
 Observe for 7 days.
 Compare which condition causes faster or slower rusting.

Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas


2.1 Related Ideas
 Rusting requires oxygen and water.
 Salt water speeds up rusting because it allows faster electron flow.
 Oil and paint protect iron by blocking air and water.
2.2 Analysis of Ideas :
Idea Strength Weakness

Slow rusting, easy to Takes time to show


Air exposure
test results

Faster than air,


Tap water Still moderate rate
observable

Salt water Very fast rusting Damages iron quickly

Oil/Paint Prevents rusting Needs maintenance


Idea Strength Weakness

protection

2.3 Presentation :
I used drawings of nails in jars with labels showing conditions.

Stage 3: Generation of Ideas/Possible Solutions


3.1 Possible Solutions
1. Nail in air.
2. Nail in tap water.
3. Nail in salt water.
4. Nail in tap water but coated with oil.
3.2 Merits :
 Simple setup with household materials.
 Shows clear differences in rusting.
 Practical for real-life prevention.
3.3 Demerits :
 Takes 7 days to complete.
 Hard to measure exact rust amount.
 Oil layer may wash off in water.
3.4 Overall Quality :
All solutions were practical, affordable, and suitable for my area.

Stage 4: Development/Refinement of Chosen Idea


Chosen Idea: Investigate rusting in air, tap water, salt water, and oil-coated nail.
4.1 Final Setup:
 Jar 1: Nail in air (control).
 Jar 2: Nail in tap water.
 Jar 3: Nail in salt water (3 tablespoons salt in 200 ml water).
 Jar 4: Nail coated with oil, placed in tap water.
Observation Summary (7 Days):
 Air: Rust appeared slowly by

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