What is the difference between corrosion and rusting?
Corrosion and rusting are chemical processes that tend to disintegrate materials. These two terms sound similar but they are quite different.
The article provides the core difference between corrosion and rusting in tabular form. Take the time to read through for deeper insight into these two chemical terms.
What Is Corrosion?
Corrosion is a natural process that causes deterioration of both metal and nonmetals in their environment. The process refines metals to a more chemically stable form.
Corrosion is said to have taken place when atoms on the surface of the metal become oxidized hence causing damage.
The natural process can either be uniform or pitting. The process is also regarded to be an electrochemical reaction that occurs on the anode and cathode.
Examples of corrosive chemicals that cause disintegration of metals are acids like HCl, H2SO4, and bases like NaOH, KOH, etc.
What Is Rusting?
Rusting is a chemical process that normally occurs on iron metals and its alloy. There are certain conditions that facilitate rusting.
Oxidation of iron metals takes place in the presence of oxygen and moisture or water. It results in reddish-brown compounds.
The rusting tend to start at one point and eventually spread throughout the metal surfaces. Example of oxides of rusting is hydrated iron (III) oxide and iron (III) oxide-hydroxide.
Comparison Chart: Corrosion vs Rusting
| Basic Terms | Corrosion | Rusting |
| Meaning | It is the deterioration of substances as a result of chemical, electrochemical and other reactions | It is a chemical process that results in the formation of red-brown compound |
| Occurrences | Occur on various surfaces like skin, wood, and metals | Occur on iron metals and their alloys |
| Condition | Occur when a substance is exposed to air or chemicals | Occur when iron metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture |
| Result | Formation of oxides and salt | Formation of iron oxides |
| Degradation | Polymers and ceramics among many others. | Affect iron metals and iron alloys only |
Core Difference between Corrosion and Rusting
- Rust is a type of corrosion while corrosion is the disintegration of materials due to chemical or electrochemical reactions
- Corrosion tends to affect all types of materials and metals while rusting normally affects iron metals and iron alloys only.
- Corrosion is brought about by material interaction with chemicals while rusting by moisture and oxidation
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Comparison Video
Conclusion
The core difference between corrosion and rusting is that corrosion tends to affect all metals and materials while rusting affects iron metals and iron alloys only.
Use the comment section to share your views and suggestion regarding these two chemical processes. Good luck
More Sources and References
- Relationship between Rust and Corrosion. Heavy Industry Canada
- Rust. Wikipedia
- Corrosion. Wikipedia