Name: _______________________ Partner: ____________________
SNC1D
Date: __________________
Solving the problem of corrosion
Introduction
Iron is commonly used because of its strength and availability. While it has these desirable physical
characteristics, objects made of iron (like nails) will rust when they are exposed to the external world
which can cause serious problems. Rust forms on iron when it reacts with oxygen and water to become
iron oxide. As more rust forms the iron becomes weaker and can begin to flake away. This is very costly,
especially with nails. If rust begins to form on the nail, the nail can become weaker and potentially break,
which may result in structures becoming unstable and unsafe. Iron is also used in the construction of
bridges. There have been instances where rust has caused these chains to crack thus causing bridges to
collapse. In fact, millions of dollars are spent on methods that will prevent the formation of rust.
We need you to become experts in this field and come up with solutions to this ever-growing problem that
scientists have been trying to solve for ages. In this lab you will test out two different methods of
preventing corrosion in order to determine how to keep rust from forming on an iron nail.
In order to investigate this you will be given three nails that are the same. One will be the control nail
and two will be treated nails. All three nails will be subjected to the same natural environmental factors
(sprayed with water and left in the same environment). The first nail, being the control nail will not be
treated with any material to prevent corrosion. The other two nails will be treated with some sort of
substance that may serve as an anti-corrosion material. The treated nails must be treated with different
substances.
You and your partner need to estimate the percent of the nail surface which is covered by rust. You
must record this data throughout the experiment and for each nail. By the end of the experiment, you will
need to be able to compare how the three nails differ with respect to corrosion.
You and your partner need to bring in two materials that you think may prevent rust. In order to promote
a variety of treatments, no two groups can have the same treatment. You will also need to bring a piece of
cellophane that your nails will be placed on.
In discussion with your partner and teacher, select two conditions to investigate.
The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of ___________________and _____________________
on ________________________________________________________________________________.
Provide the following (do not define but state what they are in this experiment)
Independent variable(s): _________________________________________________________________
(set by the experimenter)
Dependent variable: ____________________________________________________________________
(measured variable)
Controlled variables: __________________________________________________________________
(what is kept the same between the experimental and control nails, be specific!)
Material and Methods
Materials (add any others required)
Three nails
Water
________________
Balance
Spray bottles
________________
Cellophane
Steel Wool/Sand Paper (if necessary to clean off the nail)
Methods
1. Clean your nails using steel wool (if needed).
2. Select one as the control nail and two others as the experimental nails. Determine the percent
surface area of rust covering the three nails and record.
3. Place the nails on the cellophane and subject the experimental nails to their respective conditions.
The nails will be placed on the cellophane and will be watered everyday when directed. Make sure
that both nails are treated the same except for the experimental condition.
4. On the next day record the percent of the surface area that is covered by rust.
5. Clean up on the last recording day.
Observations
Quantitative observations - Fill in the following data table
Table 1: The effect of ______________and _____________ on rust formation of a nail.
Record date
Day 1
Day ___
Day ___
Day ___
Day ___
Control nail
(not treated)
(% rust)
Experimental nail # 1
Experimental nail #2
(treated with ______________) (treated with ______________)
(% rust)
(% rust)
Results Summary
1.
Describe the qualitative (ie. Which had the most rust? Which had the least rust?) and quantitative (ie.
report numerical values to support your qualitative description) results of the experiment in full
sentences. Do not attempt to explain your results here.
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Discussion
Answer these questions all together in one paragraph. Use full sentences when completing the questions.
Refer back to the introduction to help answer these questions.
2.
3.
Attempt to explain why the nails rusted/ didn't rust based on the treatment chosen.
Discuss your anti-corrosion material in a larger context. How feasible are each of your choices of anticorrosion material? In other words, is it realistic to use your treatment on a large scale like a steel
bridge? (Consider costs, impact on environment, ease of application,…)
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_________________________________________________________(continue on lined paper if needed)
SNC-1D
Solving The Problem of Corrosion Lab
Marking Scheme
Sections
Level 1
Minimal
requirements
are met
Level 2
Some of the
requirements
are met
Level 3
Most of the
requirements
are met
Level 4
All of the
requirements
are met
Weight
Communication
Appropriate purpose is
given
Materials and Methods
- additional materials are
listed
Data Table
All values are included and
are clearly written
Results Summary
Qualitative and Quantitative.
results are described in
detail and full sentences
Spelling and grammar (used
full sentences)
1x
1x
1x
2x
1x
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Overall Communication
Inquiry
Three variables are correctly
identified
1x
Discussion
- attempted to explain the
results using scientific
reasoning.
3x
Discussion
-Results from experiment
discussed in larger context
WITH DETAIL!!!
2x
Overall Inquiry
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