Corrosion test
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Corrosion test
Corrosion test. Nails being tested for corrosion (blue spots). They are in a petri dish containing agar (brown). A chemical indicator called ferroxyl has been used to test for the presence of the ions produced during rusting. Ferroxyl indicator is a mixture of the acid-base indicator phenolphthalein and of potassium hexacyanoferrate. During rusting, the iron metal of the nails is oxidised and loses electrons to form iron ions. These react with the hexacyanoferrate ion to form the prussian blue ion that is an intense blue colour. The pink colour is where the phenolphthalein detects hydroxide ions (an alkaline solution) where no rusting occurs
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6439065
© ANDREW LAMBERT PHOTOGRAPHY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Alkaline Analysis Analytical Apparatus Corrosion Demonstrating Demonstration Experiment Experimental Indicating Indicator Iron Metal Nail Nails Oxidation Oxidized Petri Dish Reaction Rusting Test Testing Laboratory
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a corrosion test in action, showcasing the fascinating process of rusting. A cluster of nails is meticulously arranged within a petri dish filled with agar, creating an intriguing visual contrast between the metallic elements and the brown substrate. To detect the presence of ions produced during rusting, a chemical indicator called ferroxyl has been employed. This powerful indicator consists of phenolphthalein and potassium hexacyanoferrate, forming a potent mixture capable of revealing crucial reactions. As rusting occurs, the iron metal composing the nails undergoes oxidation and loses electrons to transform into iron ions. These iron ions then interact with hexacyanoferrate ions present in the solution, resulting in the formation of prussian blue—a vibrant shade that dominates this image with its intense blue hue. Interestingly, areas where no rusting takes place are indicated by a contrasting pink coloration caused by phenolphthalein detecting hydroxide ions—an alkaline solution—instead. The combination of these distinct colors provides valuable insights into both corrosive and non-corrosive regions on each nail. Through this visually striking demonstration conducted in a laboratory setting, we gain deeper understanding about corrosion processes and their effects on metals like iron. This photograph serves as an excellent example of how scientific experiments can be beautifully captured to inspire curiosity and promote further exploration within chemistry and analytical research fields.
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