Question

The rusting of an iron nail:

• A. decreases its weight
• B. increases its weight
• C. does not affect weight but iron is oxidised
• D. does not affect weight but iron is reduced

Hint:

Oxidation involves textbfgain of oxygen. Since oxygen adds mass, rusting leads to an textbfincrease in weight.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the process of rusting. Rusting is a chemical reaction in which iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form hydrated iron(III) oxide. Step 2: Consider the effect on mass. During rusting:

Oxygen from the air combines with iron.
Additional mass is added to the iron nail.
Step 3: Analyze the options.

(A) Incorrect — weight does not decrease
(B) Correct — weight increases due to addition of oxygen ✔
(C) Incorrect — weight does change
(D) Incorrect — iron is oxidised, not reduced
Step 4: Final conclusion. The rusting of an iron nail increases its weight. \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]