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Science fair project: Why do metals corrode?

I am doing a science fair project on which metal is the most resistant to corrosion. I am in 7th grade. I was wondering why do metals corrode.

Heidi S
student - Coconut Creek, Florida
2006

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2006

Hello Heidi. Please go to your school or town library and ask the librarian to help you select a book on metal corrosion that is appropriate for your age.

If after studying the subject you have specific questions, we will be more than happy to answer them! But a science project that consist of just asking someone else why metals corrode wouldn't make much sense. Good luck with your project, but get to know your librarian :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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Why do metals corrode? I'm work on a project, "Effect and Control of corrosion".
I'm a 4th year student of the university of portharcourt and need assistance. thanks.

christabel Inimgba
student - Portharcourt, Rivers-state, Nigeria.
July 28, 2008

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July , 2008

Hi, Christabel. Metals corrode because, for most metals (with the exception of the precious metals), the oxidized state is more stable than the metallic state. Phrased another way, heat is released when metals corrode, and energy must be input (usually with oxygen excluded) to get the material back to metallic state.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey