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When iron (Fe) rusts, it combines with oxygen (O2) to form various forms of iron oxide such as Fe2O3, Fe3O4, or FeO2. In each of these there are oxygen molecules bonded to the iron. The oxygen comes from the air, water or other solution. So an object which was formally pure iron, once rusted, will contain additional mass from the oxygen and weigh more than it did before.
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Why does the rusty nail weigh more than the original nail?
The rust that forms on the nail is actually iron oxide, which has a greater molecular weight than iron. This additional weight from the rust causes the rusty nail to weigh more than the original nail.
Why does powdered iron rust?
Powdered iron rusts more easily because the increased surface area allows for greater exposure to oxygen and moisture, which are the primary causes of rusting. The smaller particles of powdered iron have a larger surface area compared to solid iron, leading to a faster reaction with oxygen and water.
Why does a rusty nail weigh more than the original nail?
A rusty nail does not weigh more than the original nail; the rust simply adds mass to the original nail. When iron in a nail oxidizes and forms rust, the rust increases the overall weight of the nail without changing its original weight.
Does a pound of feathers weigh more than a pound of iron what truly is the difference between the two?
No, a pound of feathers and a pound of iron weigh the same, as they both weigh one pound. The difference between the two is their density and composition - feathers are less dense and made of organic material, while iron is a denser metal.
Why does rust weight more?
Rust is typically denser than the original iron or steel it forms from, which means it weighs more for the same volume of material. This is because rust has a larger molecular structure compared to iron, leading to an increase in mass.
