Final answer:
The method that will not slow down the rate of rusting of an iron roof is attaching strips of copper to it, as it could encourage galvanic corrosion. Methods like painting, galvanizing with zinc, and coating with plastic can effectively reduce rusting by creating a barrier against oxygen and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the methods to slow down the rusting of iron when exposed to oxygen and water. The presence of water and oxygen is essential for iron to form rust, which is a red-brown hydrated iron (III) oxide. The rate of rusting of the iron roof can be reduced using several techniques, but not all methods are equally effective:
- Attaching strips of copper to iron does not slow down rusting; in fact, it can facilitate a galvanic reaction, which may increase the rate of corrosion.
- Coating it with plastic, galvanizing it with zinc, or painting it creates a barrier that prevents the interaction of oxygen and water with the iron, thereby reducing the rusting process.
Since painting, galvanizing, and coating with plastic are all effective in slowing down the corrosion process, the method that will not slow down the rate of rusting is attaching strips of copper to it.