What Causes ‘Rust’ on Metal Objects?

Rust happens when metal meets water and air. Imagine your favorite toy is made of iron, like a rusty old train set. If it gets wet (from rain or playing in puddles), it starts to change, the metal turns red and flaky because it's mixing with oxygen from the air. This new red stuff is called rust.

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Examples

A bicycle left outside during a rainy week turns rusty and weak.
An old iron gate near a pond starts to flake and change color.
Your favorite toy car, made of metal, begins to look reddish after playing in the dirt.

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Categories: Science · Rust,Chemistry,Corrosion