PROJECT REPORT
TITLE: Study of the Rusting of Iron
Class: SS2
Subject: Chemistry
Student Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________________
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Rusting is a chemical process in which iron reacts with oxygen and water to form a reddish-
brown substance called rust (iron(III) oxide). This project investigates the conditions
required for rusting and compares how fast rusting occurs under different environments.
2.0 AIM / OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
- To investigate the conditions necessary for rusting of iron.
- To compare the rate of rusting in water, salt water, dry air, and water covered with oil.
- To understand the role of moisture and oxygen in the rusting process.
3.0 MATERIALS REQUIRED
- 4 clean iron nails
- 4 small containers/test tubes
- Water
- Salt water (water + table salt)
- Cooking oil
- Dry sand or silica gel
- Labels (1–4)
4.0 METHOD / PROCEDURE
Container 1 – Dry Air Condition
1. Place one iron nail in a container containing dry sand (or leave it empty and dry).
2. Ensure no water enters the container.
3. Label the setup “Dry Air”.
Container 2 – Water Only
1. Pour clean water into the second container.
2. Insert one iron nail fully inside the water.
3. Label it “Water”.
Container 3 – Salt Water
1. Prepare salt water by dissolving 1–2 spoonfuls of salt in water.
2. Place an iron nail inside the salt water.
3. Label it “Salt Water”.
Container 4 – Water Covered with Oil
1. Put clean water in the container and insert an iron nail.
2. Add a thin layer of oil on top to prevent oxygen from entering.
3. Label it “Oil Layer”.
5.0 OBSERVATIONS
Students should check the nails daily for 4–7 days and record:
- presence or absence of rust
- colour changes
- degree of rusting (heavy, moderate, slight, none)
6.0 EXPECTED RESULTS
- Nail in salt water will rust the fastest because salt speeds up corrosion.
- Nail in ordinary water will rust moderately.
- Nail in dry air will show little or no rust because moisture is absent.
- Nail in oil-covered water will show no rust, because oxygen cannot reach the nail.
7.0 CONCLUSION
The experiment shows that rusting requires both water and oxygen. Salt increases the rate
of rusting, while blocking oxygen (with oil) prevents rusting entirely.
8.0 REFERENCES
- Secondary School Chemistry Textbooks
- WAEC/NECO Practical Chemistry Guide