Name: ______Partner: ______Date: ______

SNC1D 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 / Control nail
(not treated)
(% rust) / Experimental nail # 1
(treated with ______)
(% rust) / Experimental nail #2
(treated with ______)
(% rust)
Day 1
Day ___
Day ___
Day ___
Day ___


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.

  1. Attempt to explain why the nails rusted/ didn't rust based on the treatment chosen.
  2. Discuss your anti-corrosion material in a larger context. How feasible are each of your choices of anti-corrosion 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 / 1x
Materials and Methods
- additional materials are listed / 1x
Data Table
All values are included and are clearly written / 1x
Results Summary
Qualitative and Quantitative. results are described in detail and full sentences / 2x
Spelling and grammar (used full sentences) / 1x
Overall Communication /24
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 /24