Understanding Rust

A rusty nail looks different from a new nail. Which of the following is a characteristic of a rusty nail?

• Shiny surface

• Reddish-brown colour

• Smooth texture

• Strong and hard

Which of the following objects can become rusty over time?

• Wooden stick

• Iron nail

• Plastic ruler

• Glass bottle

A nail was left in water for 5 days. What change will most likely happen?

• The nail will shine more

• The nail will break into pieces immediately

• The nail will rust

• The nail will grow bigger

Why does a rusty nail look rough and flaky?

• Rust makes the nail stronger

• Rust is formed on the nail’s surface

• The nail is melting

• The nail is covered with oil

Which statement is true about rusting?

• Only wood can rust

• Plastic objects rust in water

• Iron objects can rust

• Glass objects rust in air

Which object will rust more quickly if left outside in the rain?

• Iron nail

• Stainless steel spoon

• Plastic pen

• Wooden stick

A rusty iron gate is weaker than a new gate because—

• Rust makes iron stronger

• Rust eats away the iron

• Rust adds more iron to the gate

• Rust protects the iron

Some coins do not rust in water. What is the best reason?

• They are made of plastic

• They are made of non-rusting metal

• They are too small to rust

• They are coated with water

If a bridge is built from iron without protection, what will happen after many years?

• The bridge will not change

• The bridge will rust and weaken

• The bridge will become shiny

• The bridge will become plastic

Which generalisation is correct about iron?

• Iron objects never rust

• Iron objects rust when exposed to air and water

• Iron objects are always shiny

• Iron objects rust only in the dark