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Rusting: Why Do Things Rust?
Rust is a name commonly used for the reddish-brown chemical called ferric oxide (Fe2O3). This compound forms when iron combines with oxygen. Water increases the probability that this reaction occurs.
Cleaning pads, such as SOS pads, are made of steel wool (fibers of steel) and soap. Steel is an alloy made of iron and carbon. You can find steel wool pads without soap where painting products are sold.
Steel wool rusts if it gets wet.
Discover For Yourself
Wet a steel wool pad with water. Place the pad in a bowl and observe it periodically for 5 or more days.
Results: The silver pad begins to have rust on it. As time passes more rust forms.
What Do You Think?
Does soap in steel wool pads prevent or retard rusting?
Design an experiment to test your hypothesis (What you think the answer to the question is.)
Share your experiment and results with others by sending it to me.
