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nobody
nobody asked in Science & MathematicsChemistry · 1 decade ago

Chemical equation help?!! Thx :D?

I did an experiment on whether an acidic or alkaline medium would increase the rate of rusting of iron nails and used Coke as my acidic solvent. I noticed that the rate of rusting was highest in Coke and now I need to explain why in my report :/

Could someone please help me come up with a chemical equation for me that shows rusting of iron taking place in carbonic acid? The equations should be balanced :)

Oh yes, and if possible could you guys please help me also to come up with an equation that involves rusting of iron in an alkaline medium?

Thanks a lot :)

Really appreaciate it :P

1 Answer

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favourite answer

    What makes you think it was the carbonic acid in Coke that speeded the rusting? Carbonic acid is a pathetically weak acid. It is more likely to be phosphoric acid!!! This is the stuff that dissolves your teeth, makes a copper coin shiney etc when treated with Coke.

    Phosphoric acid is H3PO4 and the reaction follows the usual ACID + METAL = SALT + HYDROGEN equation.

    2H3PO4 + 3Fe = Fe3(PO4)2 + 3H2

    Source(s): retired chemist
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