Nailing corrosion demonstrations

Most courses studied by 16–18 year olds require them to be familiar with the process of rusting from an electrochemical perspective. However, many rusting demonstrations take a long time to produce any results without providing much information about the various electrochemical processes occurring. The use of phenolphthalein and hexacyanoferrate(III) as indicators is a rapid and great way to infer the presence of the various ions that form during rusting.

From preparation to demonstration, with alternative teaching suggestions and supporting resources, Declan Fleming discusses how best to use this demonstration to enable students to explain the process of rusting from an electrochemical perspective.