Which of the following is not true of the rusting of iron?
Answer Details
The statement that is not true about the rusting of iron is that "rusting is a reduction process." Rusting is an oxidation process, which means that it involves the loss of electrons by iron atoms.
When iron reacts with oxygen and water, a redox reaction takes place. Iron atoms lose electrons to oxygen atoms to form iron oxide, while water molecules are split into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. The hydrogen ions combine with oxygen atoms to form water molecules, while the hydroxide ions combine with iron ions to form hydrated iron (III) oxide, which is the reddish-brown rust that we see on iron surfaces.
Therefore, rusting is not a reduction process but an oxidation process that occurs in the presence of oxygen and moisture. The rust formed is mainly hydrated iron (III) oxide, and the process is similar to corrosion rather than burning.