Question

What is corrosion? Explain its advantages and disadvantages.

Answer 1

Hint :When metal reacts with another substance, such as oxygen, hydrogen, electricity, or even dirt and bacteria, it corrodes. Corrosion can also occur when metals, such as steel, are subjected to excessive stress, which causes the material to crack. Rust forms when acidic substances (such as water) come into contact with metals like iron and steel. Rust is the result of iron (Fe) particles being exposed to oxygen and moisture (e.g., humidity) and corroding steel.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Corrosion is a natural process that transforms pure metals into undesirable substances when they react with substances such as water or air. Corrosion occurs when a chemical or electrochemical reaction causes irreversible damage or destruction to living tissue or material.
Advantages-
The following are some of the advantages of corrosion:
(i) Layer of protection: A layer of oxide forms on the corrosion-prone surface which prevents corrosion of the inner metal
(ii) Zinc sacrificial anodes are used as a corrosion preventative measure for other metals.
iii) Galvanic corrosion: When two different types of metals are in electrical contact in an electrolyte, the more active metal tends to corrode.
Disadvantages-
Corrosion has the following disadvantages:
(i) Metal loss from the surface.
(ii) Physical appearance of a metal object's changes.
(iii) Metal's chemical properties vary.
(iv) Meanwhile, the efficiency of metallic machines is deteriorating.
(v) Metal objects have a shorter lifespan.

Note :
The most common type of iron corrosion occurs when it is exposed to oxygen and water, resulting in the formation of rust, which is a red iron oxide. Anti-Corrosion Protective Coatings are one of the most effective ways to prevent corrosion. A protective coating safeguards its substrate by preventing it from coming into contact with harsh environments (atmospheric, chemical, etc.).