Final answer:
Leaving implements in quats for an extended period leads to rusting, corrosion, and discoloration due to the exposure of iron to water and oxygen, which are necessary for the formation of rust.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leaving implements in quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) for longer than 10 minutes can lead to rusting, corrosion, and discoloration, which would be all of the above in response to the choices given. When iron corrodes, it goes through a process where it is first oxidized to iron (II) ions by oxygen, and then these ions are further oxidized, reacting with water and oxygen to produce a hydrated form of iron (III) oxide - commonly known as rust. This rust does not form a protective barrier and continually flakes off, exposing fresh metal surface to further oxidation. The presence of both water and oxygen is crucial for rust to form, thus leaving metal implements in quats, which are usually aqueous solutions, can accelerate the rusting process if it also allows access to oxygen.