Why do metals corrode differently?

Most metals are easily oxidized: they tend to lose electrons to oxygen (and other substances) in the air or in water. When reduction and oxidation take place on different kinds of metal in contact with one another, the process is called galvanic corrosion.

What metal corrodes the fastest?

Zinc and plain steel corroded the fastest in all solutions. surprisingly aluminium which is higher on the reactivity series than zinc showed little corrosion.

What is the difference between corrosion and oxidation?

Corrosion is deterioration or destruction of metals as a result of rain, sleet, snow, etc. and oxidation is an electrochemical breakdown of the metal. Corrosion mainly happens to metals whereas oxidation can take place anywhere.

What is difference between corrosion and rusting?

Corrosion is the process by which certain materials, metals and non-metals, deteriorate as a result of oxidation. Rusting is oxidation of iron in the presence of air and moisture. Corrosion can occur on materials such as ceramics or polymers. Rusting occurs on surfaces of iron and its alloys.

How do different metals corrode?

When two different metals are in contact and exposed to a common electrolyte, one of the metals experiences accelerated corrosion while the other is protected. This type of accelerated corrosion between dissimilar metals is referred to as galvanic corrosion.

Do pure metals undergo corrosion?

Yes . pure metals undergo corrosion. Only the noble metals do not undergo corrosion except that all the metals whether in pure or impure state corrode to some extent depending on their corrosion resistance. Metals are found in impure state and that particular state is there lower energy state.

What is the difference between pure metal and impure metal?

The metal which is free of impurities is called pure metal, whereas the metal with impurities are called impure metal. The conversion of metal to oxides and sulfides is called as corrosion. Impure metals undergo the process of corrosion at faster pace than the pure metal.

What happens to impure materials when they corrode?

They shall form localised Electrical Cells. As time progresses, the impure metal under the influence of corroding agents, will start to corrode. That is exactly why, Zinc dissolves faster than iron in a galvanised iron sheet. It acts as a sacrificial anode and gets dissolved in the place of iron keeping the iron sheet in tact.

Why do some metals resist corrosion better than others?

Metal corrosion has more to do with surface finish or rather surface area. I am not sure your thoughts here. Some metals resist corrosion better than others and by adding chromium or nickel to iron for example does two things, first to moves to the surface thru grain boundary diffusion then creates a passive layer that resists further oxidation.