Understanding Rust as a Chemical Reaction

Rust formation is actually a chemical reaction, not physical. When iron reacts

with oxygen and water, it creates a completely new substance called iron oxide.

Physical changes just alter appearance without creating new materials, like ice melting

into water. Chemical changes form entirely different substances with new properties.

Watch how rust develops over time. The metal's structure permanently transforms as oxygen bonds

with iron atoms. Once rust forms, you cannot simply reverse it back to pure iron.

That irreversible transformation proves it's chemical, making rust a perfect example of oxidation

in action.