Science Project On Nails That Rust

If you ever wonder why nails rust, it's because rusting happens when a metal is exposed to oxygen. The "rust" is actually iron oxide and forms when the iron in the nail reacts with the oxygen in the air or in liquids. The molecules of iron on the surface of the nail exchange atoms with the oxygen in the air and produce a new substance, the reddish-brown ferrous oxide, a.k.a. rust. A simple science project tests the effects of different liquids on the rusting process, such as oil, water, vinegar and detergent.

1. Set up Experiment

Place numbered test tubes or cups in a line to let you compare the effects of different liquids on your nails. Before you begin your experiment, take a photograph of each nail. You may also weigh each nail at this point. Place one nail in each test tube or cup.

2. Add Liquids

Add a different liquid to each test tube or cup. For example, if you have six containers you could add cooking oil, tap water, vinegar, lemon juice, salt water and detergent. Write down what liquid is in each container. Over several days, take regular notes on each nail's condition. Record which nail showed rust first.

3. Change Conditions

Repeat the above steps, but this time try different conditions. For example, you could compare a nail completely submerged in water to a nail only half submerged in water, or observe a nail completely submerged in water with a layer of oil on the top of it. You could compare a nail in salt water and a nail in pure salt.

4. Remove Nails

At the end of your experiment, remove the nails from their containers. Weigh them to determine whether there is any difference between them.