Corrosion is the degradation of materials as a result of chemical or electrochemical reactions with the

environment, or we might say that corrosion is the destructive attack of a metal on the environment.
Rust on iron, for instance, is caused by the production of hydrated oxide. When iron reacts with the
environment and the presence of moisture, hydrated iron oxide is formed. This blue green tint on
copper is referred to as patent earth. When copper combines with water vapour, oxygen, and carbon
dioxide in the air, a green chemical called copper hydroxide and copper carbonate is created. The
production of silver sulfate causes silver tarnish. Silver quickly generates a surface tarnish of silver
sulphate when it combines with hydrogen sulfide in the environment. Position of metals in
electrochemical series, presence of electrolytes, contaminants and metals variation in temperature,
oxygen content, and other factors all influence corrosion. Metals' positions in the electrochemical series.
The rate of corrosion is determined by the metal's position in the electrochemical series. Metals that are
more reactive have a higher tendency to lose electrons and corrode or tarnish more quickly. Iron is more
reactive than gold, for example, since it rapidly gives up electrons to oxygen, whereas gold does not.
Copper, on the other hand, is more reactive than gold but less reactive than iron, therefore it does not
rust but can corrode in other oxidizing reactions. As it corrodes, it turns blue green Iron rusts more
quickly than most metals due to its higher reactivity. The dissolved salts and water act as an electrolyte.
Presence of electrolytes in water increases the rate of corrosion. As electrolyte conducts ions, it
speeding up the corrosion rate. Impurities and metals speed the rate of corrosion. Presence of
impurities, generally leads to the formation of tiny electrochemical cells and therefore, corrosion occurs.