Question

Describe how iron turns into a brownish-red powder. Name the reactants and products that are involved.

Answer 1

The rusting of iron may be defined as the process of formation of the oxide layer by the attack of oxygen and moisture on the surface of iron. This rusting changes the color and reduces the value of iron.

The iron turns into the brownish red powder due to the oxidation of iron. The oxygen in the presence of moisture reacts with iron to form a brown layer known as rust. The reactants are oxygen, water and iron. The products are iron oxide (brown rust).

Answer 2

The brownish-red powder on iron is called rust. It is formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture. It is called oxidizing or rusting due to exposure to water and air.

The reactants are oxygen and iron the products are carbon dioxide and water and the process is oxidization.