Why Metal Rusts: The Science Explained

You’ve probably seen it a once shiny bike or railing turning orange and flaky.

But why does metal rust? Rust is the result of a simple but powerful

reaction when iron meets oxygen and water, chemistry takes over. The water acts

like a bridge, helping oxygen react with the iron to form iron oxide that reddish-brown

coating we call rust. Once rust starts, it spreads fast. The new layer

of oxide traps moisture underneath, letting corrosion eat deeper into the metal.

That’s why cars near the ocean rust faster saltwater makes it easier for electrons to

move, speeding up the chemical reaction. To stop rust, you can block