Corrosion is the deterioration of a metal as a result of chemical reactions between a metal and its surrounding environment. Metals react with oxygen during corrosion as the metal atoms lose electrons forming the rust compound known as metal oxide. The equation for this reaction is:
2Fe + O2 → 2Fe2+ + 2O2-
However, when writing only the iron half equation, it will be:
2Fe → 2Fe2+ + 2e-
The equation above shows that the corrosion that occurs is oxidation and therefore, oxidation of metals is called corrosion. Corrosion can only occur when metal, oxygen and an electrolyte react with each other. The two general ways in which corrosion can occur are generalized corrosion and localized corrosion. (Barbara, 2006)
Generalized corrosion is also
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In order for the electroplating to happen a solution of depositing metal is used, and therefore, in industries that deal with electroplating it is hard to get rid of the solution in a safe manner as it is harmful to the environment when realized as sewage. So, it has got a negative environmental affect. However, for a metal to be coated by another metal it means that the two metals must be almost the same size, in order for the metal at the cathode to be coated. Although, it also depends on how thick the industry or person wants the layer to be.
In a way the electroplating is a very good solution against corrosion. Corrosion has been a big threat to the environment as it causes many damages and an example is the collapse of the corrosion fatigue over the Ohio River in 1967. However, electroplating is therefore used to coat the iron or any other metals in order to make them corrosion resistant and also decorative. When a metal is electroplated it tends to last much longer as the coat formed around it is meant to be resisting against the elements that cause corrosion of