Science Common Sense

38 - Why do some metals rust?

Rust is when some metals, like iron, mix with oxygen and water in the air. This makes the metal weak and fall apart.

Here's how it happens:

1. Iron meets oxygen from the air.
2. Water from the air or rain helps the iron and oxygen mix together.
3. This mixture creates a new substance called iron oxide, which is rust.

Not all metals rust, but iron and some other metals like steel can rust easily. That's why you see rusty bikes or old cars sometimes.